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When you can't travel, these best soups from around the world will help satiate your wanderlust. "Travel" to Italy, Spain, India and more with each bite.
Check out these 20 delicious soups to help cure your wanderlust:
Soup is one of those super versatile and hearty foods that you can enjoy anytime for any meal. It can be fancy or simple and homely, either way, you're sure to come away satisfied.
Soup is also one of my favorite things to hear after a hike when I'm starving. I often make a big pot the night before a hike, since I know I won't feel like cooking after hiking, and still want to eat somthing filling and nutritious.
Soup is also an easy way to get extra veggies, I usually add extras too. The thing I love most though is that you will find a different style and flavour of soup from every country in the world - which you can take to your own kitchen and be transported to anywhere in the world.
Tip: If you come across a soup ercipe with ingredients that sound foreign, don't be afraid to google substitutes available near you.
Here are some of my favourite soups from around the world:
Pea Soup (Canada)
There are a few variations of Pea soup in Canada. Some include dumplings while others are served without. Whichever way you prefer to have it, you won't regret trying it.
Considering that Canada has some of the coldest and longest winters on the planet - which is why I moved, it's no wonder that a hearty and filling soup is such a staple. This soup is really easy to make and takes just over an hour to prepare. Try this quick and easy Newfoundland pea soup recipe.
Serve it in a pretty white embossed bowl.
Gazpacho (Spain)
Gazpacho is a cold soup made of freshly blended vegetables and originates in Andalucia. This is a popular staple in Spain and a popular summer dish. Besides being nutritious, if made right, it is delicious.
Gazpacho is super easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes. Change it up with different ingredients to make it a really fun cooking experience.
Try out this quick and easy Gazpacho recipe that will give you a real Spanish vibe in your home.
Related Reading: Spanish Omelette Recipe: Catalan StyleEnhance Your Soup with these Soup Bowls:
Spicy Black Bean Soup (Mexico)
Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines. I hardly go a week without at least one Mexican-inspired dish (mostly tacos, to be honest). There are so many great soups to choose from, but this one is my go-to.
The smell alone is enough to transport you to the streets of Mexico. This is an easy meal that won't take you longer than an hour to make. Try this great recipe for black bean soup. It's great to eat after a hike since it's so filling.
Related Reading: Travel to Mexico: 19 Photos That Will Make You Want to VisitChicken Noodle Soup (Cuba)
A hearty soup that is a traditional staple in many Cuban households, this chicken noodle soup is a delicious variant of the old classic.
This particular soup is still cooked by many Cuban grandmothers. If you haven't tried this, then I highly recommend it, especially if Cuba is on your travel bucket list. Try out this amazing recipe for Cuban chicken noodle soup.
Potato Soup (Germany)
If you know anything about Germany, you probably know that they love their potatoes. It just makes sense that one of the most popular soups in Germany would be potato soup. It's hearty and perfect if you're on a budget.
You do get different variations of it, depending on the region of Germany. But this is one of the more popular versions.
This is one of the most filling and satisfying soups you can have from around the world. Try this recipe for German Potato soup.
French Onion Soup (France)
I admit that you either love french onion soup, or you hate it. It needs to be cooked and seasoned well for me to enjoy it.
But there is no doubt that it is one of the healthiest and most popular soups from around the world. It's sure to have you thinking of your travels in France. This soup is easy and can be made with limited ingredients. Check out this french onion soup recipe and these crocks for a French presentation.
Related Reading: Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Hiking ToursHarira (Morocco)
It needs simple ingredients that are easy to get. Harira is a great soup with beautiful flavours that will transport you to stunning Morocco. The recipe is also really versatile as you can make a vegetarian version or add any meat you prefer.
Try this great recipe for Harira. It's a great choice of a soup to eat after a hike since it has both filling lentils and chickpeas.
Tom Yum Soup (Thailand)
This is one of my favourite soups from around the world, as it reminds me of my time living in Thailand for two years. You will find Tom Yum Soup in every corner in Thailand. It's a favourite with locals and tourists alike, and one of the easiest Thai dishes to make.
All the ingredients are easily found, including Tom Yum Paste, which you will likely find in any supermarket no matter where in the world you are.
This is a hearty soup that can be made with any protein, from pork to seafood. Try this recipe for Tom Yum Soup.
Wonton Soup (China)
Chinese food is best known as take-out. But this recipe is a definite meal for home. It's quick and really easy to make. And did I mention that it is super yummy? You won't go wrong with this one, whether you're making it as comfort food or serving a Chinese-inspired dinner party.
This recipe allows you to swap out the protein, whether it be chicken, pork or seafood. You can choose to make your wontons or buy them frozen at your local supermarket. Try out this recipe.
Roast Pumpkin Soup (Australia)
Roast Pumpkin soup is a favourite with locals in Australia. Most countries have a variation of this soup, as you'll discover at pumpkin festivals, held all over the world.
And it's no wonder that it is so well-liked. Pumpkin soup is flavoursome, creamy and filling and the perfect meal for winter.
This soup has a subtle sweetness to it that can't be replicated with any other vegetable, besides butternut, of course.
The best thing about pumpkin is that it's low in calories but high in nutrients. It's packed with vitamins A, C, and E, boosts immunity, eye health, and skin. Pumpkin's antioxidants, like beta-carotene, fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Additionally, its potassium helps regulate blood pressure, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Try this great recipe for roast pumpkin soup. I live on pumpkin and squash soup in the fall and it's perfect after a fall hike.
Locro (Argentina)
Most popular in the Andes Mountains of South America, this Argentinian staple is full of goodness and is sure to fill you up. Traditionally, Locro is slow-cooked for hours at a time, but with this recipe, you won't have to wait that long to enjoy this flavoursome dish.
Although, as the smells waft through your kitchen, you can help but be transported to Argentina. It's the perfect way to "travel" in your own home. This is a relatively fast and easy soup to make with this recipe.
Minestrone Soup (Italy)
Minestrone is one of my favourites and a go-to during winter. I like changing it up with different types of beans. You can also make it without pasta if I'm not in the mood for the extra carbs.
I prefer pureeing a portion of the soup as well, so it isn't as chunky. This is an easy, fast recipe and jam-packed full of nutrition. Try this wonderful recipe.
And if you're hiking the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, you'll likely be eating minestrone at some point, so you can start getting used to it now, and seeing how your version compares to the Italian version.
Red Lentil Soup (Turkey)
I fell in love with Turkish red lentil soup while hiking the Lycian Way. I found this recipe when I came home and make it regularly and feel like I'm transported back to Turkey.
Besides making me nostalgic, this soup is a great starter or main meal depending on the portion and surprisingly easy to make. If you want to quicken the process, soak your lentils overnight in water.
It will significantly shorten your cooking time. This soup can also easily be made vegan by using vegetable stock instead of chicken. Here is a great Turkish red lentil soup recipe to try.
Pho Ga (Vietnam)
Pho is commonly found all around Vietnam and is an exceptionally yummy and filling soup. It's the perfect meal, whether you're making it for yourself or a dinner party. Swap out the protein to add variety to this wonderful Vietnamese soup.
Just keep in mind that red meats take longer to cook, so you will have to add to your cooking time. The spices you should be able to get at your local spice shop or supermarket. Here's a great recipe you can try.
Recommended Reading: The 33 Best Travel - Inspired Decor IdeasIrish Bacon and Cabbage Soup (Ireland)
If your looking for a hearty and easy soup, then this traditional Irish soup is the perfect go-to. This is the perfect way to warm up after a rainy day hiking the Wicklow Way. I ate it numerous times while doing the Wicklow Way. It's also really filling.
You'll love this easy meal that will transport you straight to your favourite Irish pub, even if you're in your own home. Try this easy recipe.
Classic Red Borscht (Ukraine)
Variations of Borscht are found everywhere in Eastern Europe, and it's even the national dish of Ukraine. Borscht is traditionally made with beetroot, and the flavour is a mixture of sweet, earthy with just a little tang to it.
I must admit it is an acquired taste, but if you like beets, then you will love this soup. Beets are also really healthy and packed with antioxidants.
Hint: use gloves when handling the beets, they stain your hands. Try this great recipe.
Mulligatawny Soup (India)
This soup is so fragrant you'll feel like your walking through an Indian market, right in your very own home. It's easy and fast to make.
Lentils are also really nutritious, and this soup is filling yet low in calories. Pair it with a wonderful Indian Naan or any other flatbread for a perfect meal.
This soup freezes well too. It truly is a great option when you are trying soups from around the world. Try this easy recipe.
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Traditionally a peasant dish, Caldo Verde is one of the tastiest soups from around the world. It's quick, simple and you can substitute some of the ingredients to create different variations.
Most recipes call for chourico, but you can use hard chorizo sausage or any similar sausage. Pair it with some crusty garlic bread and a good glass of wine. If I don't have kale, I'll substitute spinach for it. Don't miss out on this great Caldo Verde recipe.
Chupe de Camarones (Peru)
This soup is the national dish of Peru and can be made with almost anything. A favourite with locals is shrimp, which are found in abundance close to the coast.
It's a hearty and tasty soup that will make you feel like you've travelled to Peru without ever leaving your home.
Heads up, this one will take you out of your comfort zone as it isn't as easy as some of the other soups. But don't worry, it isn't as difficult as you think. Here is a great recipe to try.
Beef Ramen (Japan)
Probably one of the most popular soups from around the world, ramen has many different variations. This is the perfect soup to change up according to your mood.
Once you have the basics of the recipe down, it's easy enough to replicate with different ingredients which is a great way to add variety and different vegetables. Try this Ramen recipe.
Related Reading: 22 Photos That Will Make You Want to Travel to Okinawa, JapanEnjoy these wonderful soups from around the world. They taste great and will help satiate your desire to travel.
