National Homemade Soup Day
Savor every spoonful of warm and comforting goodness made with fresh ingredients, perfect for any day or mood. A hug in a bowl!
When the cold winter winds are blowing and snow is rapidly falling, nothing takes the chill away like a bowl of homemade soup!
It might seem that making a pot of simmering heaven would require a person to be highly skilled in the kitchen and have a great deal of extra time. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth!
If making homemade soup has always seemed like an intimidating task, just know that it doesn’t have to be. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a large group of people without a lot of fuss.
With some clever short cuts and easy, beginner-friendly recipes (happily found all over the internet), it’s entirely feasible to impress family and friends alike with a wonderful creation to celebrate National Homemade Soup Day!
History of National Homemade Soup Day
Soup has been warming the stomachs of the masses for nearly 9000 years, so it’s about time there was a day devoted to it!
One of the smartest choices of the creators of National Homemade Soup Day is that they put it right smack-dab in the middle of winter (at least for people in many places).
Since February can be one of the coldest and darkest months of the year, it’s the perfect time to try a hand at creating the perfect homemade soup.
But for people who live in a place where the day doesn’t fall in winter–don’t despair! Homemade cold soups are a tasty option for those celebrating in a warmer climate. Whether with a Gazpacho (cold tomato soup) or cucumber soup, this day can be enjoyed–cold or hot–in any part of the world!
How to Celebrate National Homemade Soup Day
While this day does not discriminate between flavors of soup, it does offer an occasion to celebrate. So it’s time to do more than just open that can of boring, bland, soup!
This is a day that is all about celebrating a fresh, healthy pot of homemade soup!
Consider a few different ways to make National Homemade Soup Day a little more special:
Try a New Recipe
Celebrating soup sounds simple – just pour a bowl and start eating, right? Well, that is part of it but not all of it. If you are new to creating culinary masterpieces you can use this day as a motivation to try something different.
Make some chicken soup, or tomato, or maybe something more adventurous. That is what today is all about, so experiment and try something new.
Invite Friends and Family to Join In
Already a kitchen wizard? Use this special day to gather up some friends and have a tasting of several different homemade soups.
Or have each person bring one ingredient that can be added into the pot! While waiting for the soup to simmer, read out loud a version of the favorite children’s book, Stone Soup.
Better yet have a cook off! Each friend shows up with their own homemade masterpiece and have a lively night of fun to see whose soup is crowned the winner. The great news is that, really, everyone wins because they get to enjoy all of the deliciousness and comfort that homemade soup has to offer.
Recreate a Copycat Recipe
Sometimes a favorite dish at a restaurant turns out even better when making it at home! Many recipes for famous soups from restaurant chains are now available online to be recreated in a person’s own.
Try making these yummy copycat soup recipes that can be easily found online:
- Zuppa Toscana by Olive Garden. Famous for its pairing with soft breadsticks, this twist on an Italian favorite is packed with yummy goodness. A chicken stock base with sausage, kale, and red pepper flakes provide a zesty array of flavors.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup by O’Charley’s. Packed with flavor (and also quite a few carbs!) this soup is sure to please with its cheesy potato base and bacon garnish. Like most soups, this one is tasty when served with buttery bread rolls.
- Cullen Skink from Ubiquitous Chip. This soup is named after Cullen, a small fishing town in the northeast of Scotland. One of Glasgow’s favorite restaurants, Ubiquitous Chip, features this comforting treat made from smoked haddock, potato, onion, and spices.
Read a Chicken Soup for the Soul Book
Since homemade soup takes a little bit of time to simmer on the stove, it’s great to have something to do while waiting. So what could be better than reading some short stories from the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies?!
The books were compiled by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, but the stories themselves were written by people all over the world. Some authors are famous while others are simply average people with extraordinary or entertaining stories to share that bring comfort to the soul.
With so many to choose from, a Chicken Soup for the Soul book can be found for almost anyone’s special affinity. (Check a local library or find them to purchase in a bookstore or online.) Here are some favorites:
- Chicken Soup for the Sister’s Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Golfer’s Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul
- Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul
- and dozens more to choose from
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Looking for some inspiration? Try this recipe on for size!
Ingredients
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 4 c water
- 3 cups bite-size chicken
- 2 t seasoning
- 1/2 of a 12 oz. bag egg-white noodles
- 2c frozen vegetables (corn, peas, etc)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- In a large stockpot, add broth, water, chicken, and seasonings. (Add more seasoning to taste, if desired.) Bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and continue boiling to cook noodles as directed on the package. Soup is ready to serve when noodles are done. Season with salt and pepper to taste, or allow your guests to season their own.
- Set this on the table with a loaf of dark bread and you have a meal worthy of being part of the celebration for National Homemade Soup Day!
National Homemade Soup Day FAQs
What role did soup play in ancient war tactics?
Soup was an essential battlefield food in ancient times. Roman soldiers carried portable soup made from dried meat and vegetables.
This allowed armies to travel light and still enjoy a nourishing meal. The efficiency of this food helped sustain troops during long campaigns.
Why is soup considered a ‘universal dish’ across cultures?
Every culture has its signature soup. In Thailand, Tom Yum incorporates zesty lemongrass and chilies.
In Senegal, soup includes peanuts and local fish. Despite different ingredients, the principle of boiling flavors together unites humanity.
Did soup ever spark a political revolution?
Yes! During the French Revolution, soup kitchens became symbols of equality.
They provided the poor with affordable meals, emphasizing unity in times of upheaval. This tradition inspired modern food charities worldwide.
What’s the weirdest soup-related superstition?
In parts of Scandinavia, spilling soup was said to invite trolls into your home. To counter this, families would burn a piece of bread to ‘banish’ the creatures!
Did pirates influence the history of soup?
Pirates loved ‘pease porridge,’ a thick soup of boiled peas. It stayed edible for days, making it the perfect meal for their long sea voyages. Some even used hot pease porridge as a weapon, throwing it at attackers!
How did ancient civilizations use soup for magic and rituals?
In ancient China, soup made with specific herbs was brewed during lunar rituals. It was believed to summon spirits or bring fertility. Mayan cultures also included soup-like stews in sacrificial ceremonies.
What is the ‘soup test’ for detecting fake chefs?
In medieval France, chefs were judged on their soup-making skills. If they couldn’t create a flavorful broth with scraps, they were dismissed as frauds. Even today, some chefs say soup reveals true culinary skill.
Which soup has sparked global debates?
Shark fin soup remains controversial. While considered a delicacy in China, it has sparked debates about animal cruelty and sustainability. Efforts to ban it have created cultural and ethical tensions.
What’s the connection between soup and Frankenstein?
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein while eating broth infused with laudanum, a form of opium. The comforting soup is believed to have calmed her nerves while drafting her gothic masterpiece.
How does soup help astronauts in space?
Soup is vital for astronauts since it’s easy to rehydrate and doesn’t crumble like bread. NASA designed soup pouches that work in zero-gravity, allowing astronauts to sip comforting meals.
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