Sour soup

Sour soup is a type of soup characterized by its sour and savory taste. It is common in various cultures across the world, with numerous variations and ingredients used depending on the region.

Origins and Variations

Sour soup is not tied to a specific culture or region, but rather is a type of soup that has evolved independently in various parts of the world. Some of the most well-known versions include the Eastern European borscht, the Filipino sinigang, and the Chinese hot and sour soup.

Borscht

Borscht is a sour soup that originated in the Eastern European region, particularly in Ukraine. It is traditionally made with beetroot as the main ingredient, which gives the soup its distinctive red color. Other ingredients may include potatoes, cabbage, and meat.

Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup characterized by its sour and savory flavor profile. The sourness is typically derived from tamarind (sampalok), but other sour fruits like tomatoes, calamondin, bilimbi (kamias), and green mango can also be used. It is often associated with meats like pork, beef, fish, or shrimp.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a variety of sour soups from several Asian culinary traditions. In all cases, the soup contains ingredients to make it both spicy and sour.

Preparation and Serving

The preparation of sour soup involves simmering the meat in water, often with vegetables and a souring agent. The soup is typically served hot and can be eaten alone or with rice.

Health Benefits

Sour soup is not only flavorful but also has several health benefits. It is often low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals, particularly if made with a variety of vegetables.

See Also

• List of soups
• List of sour foods
• Cuisine of the Philippines
• Cuisine of China
• Cuisine of Ukraine