There is nothing better than a bowl of hot homemade soup on a cold winter day. So in the American calendar of culinary holidays there is a corresponding “reason” – National Homemade Soup Day, which is celebrated annually. Unfortunately, it is not known who established it and when, but hardly anyone would argue that such a holiday is needed.
Of course, in our industrial society with frantic rhythms and innovative technologies, there is nothing easier than buying ready-made foods and meals that do not require long cooking, including canned soups. I opened the can, warmed it up – and you’re done. However, sometimes (or often) we so want fresh homemade chicken noodles or tomato soup, aromatic borscht or rich fish soup … What is “kinder”, more sincere and, all the more, healthier than canned soup than homemade soup made with our own hands?
That is why today’s holiday exists – to once again remind about the benefits and quality of homemade food and a cozy home where it is prepared with love and diligence.
By the way, the history of soup is as old as the history of all cooking. However, soup (fr. Soupe) as a dish in today’s understanding, which has become a common meal, appeared about five centuries ago. Its appearance was preceded by the appearance of strong dishes in which it was possible to cook soup. At the same time, in cold countries and regions, the soup appeared much earlier. But we are talking about soup, not cooking, as a way of cooking food for the purpose of thermal processing of food. After all, soup is a “set” of ingredients that create a common taste and composition.
In Russia, liquid dishes were first called stews. The word “soup” appeared only in the time of Peter I. Soups became widespread in Europe and Russia by the 18th century, and today it is difficult to name at least one national cuisine, in the recipe reference book of which there would be no soups. Soup is the first dish that is prepared both in summer and in winter. Soups help to fill up and restore strength, tone up.
Today in the world there are approximately 150 types of soups, which are subdivided into more than a thousand types, which still has several variations. The main types of soups are classified according to serving temperature (cold and hot), calorie content (light and rich), according to ingredients (vegetarian and with animal components), according to cooking technology and taste.
Today’s supermarkets sell canned soups as well as instant soup concentrates. Depending on the ingredients of the dish and personal preference, soups are served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For example, milk soup is also suitable for a morning meal, while vegetable and meat soup is more often served in the afternoon or evening.
As for the “nationalities” of soups, among the prominent representatives of Russian cuisine are such dishes as borsch and cabbage soup, hodgepodge and fish soup, okroshka and pickle … Many people have heard of Georgian kharcho soup and Spanish gazpacho. Fans of oriental cuisine know Japanese miso soup, Chinese hogo and Vietnamese pho. And this list can be continued for a long time.
Therefore, if you are ready to try something new, you can always find thousands of soup recipes and, of course, prepare it at home to enjoy a plate or a cup of homemade soup with family or friends, thus celebrating Homemade Soup Day.