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Soup is one of my favourite things to have as a quick meal. With soup, you can always be sure to find something unique and delicious from anywhere around the world.
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 can also be really healthy and nutritious which is a bonus. The thing I love most though is that you will find a different style and flavour of soup from every country in the world, making it easy to travel from your very own kitchen in delicious style.
Note: I have added several substitutes to some of the lesser-known ingredients, but if you come across anything and you're not sure feel free to search some substitutes and let me know in the comments how they worked for 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, it is no wonder that a hearty and filling soup such as this would be a staple.
Time: 1h 20mins
Difficulty: easy
Serves 4
Gazpacho (Spain)
Gazpacho is a cold soup made of freshly blended vegetables and originates in Andalucia. This is a popular staple in Spain and is primarily eaten during warmer weather as it is refreshing. You may be thinking "cold soup"? But besides being really nutritious, if made right it is delicious.
Time: 25 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 3
Spicy Black Bean Soup (Mexico)
Mexican food is one of the best cuisines in the world. I hardly go a week without at least one Mexican inspired dish (mostly nachos to be honest). There are so many great soups to choose from but this one is my go-to if I am looking for something healthy, filling, quick and easy. Don't forget to tailor your spices according to your tastes though.
Time: 50 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 4
Chicken 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. If you prefer using a whole chicken to fillets then, by all means, do add it. This particular soup is still cooked by many Cuban grandmothers who have immigrated to places such as the USA. If you haven't tried this then I highly recommend it.
Time: 1h 45mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 4
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. 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.
Time: 40 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 4
French Onion Soup (France)
I admit that you either love french onion soup or you hate it. Personally, I am on the fence about it and it definitely does need to be cooked and seasoned well in order for me to really enjoy it. But there is no doubt that it is one of the healthiest and most popular soups from around the world and if cooked well it can be really enjoyable. It is also one of the easiest soups to make and needs limited ingredients.
Time: 1h 10mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 4-6
Harira (Morocco)
Harira is a great soup with beautiful flavours that are worth the time it takes to make this soup. It also uses some simple ingredients that are easy to get, which is a plus when you're making what I consider an exotic recipe. The recipe is also really versatile as you can make a vegetarian version or add meat. The recipe below is a vegetarian one as it is quicker. If you choose to add meat, you can add any meat you would like at the beginning of the recipe. For beef and lamb, you will have to add on at least an hour and a half of extra cooking time and you may want to use a pressure cooker (if you own one) to ensure that the meat softens nicely.
Time: 55 mins
Difficulty: Medium
Serves: 4
Tom Yum Soup (Thailand)
You will find Tom Yum Soup at almost every corner in Thailand. It is 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. It is one of the best soups from around the world and it won't take you long to make it.
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 2
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 dinner party. I also love that you can swap out any kind of protein whether it be chicken, pork or seafood. This recipe calls for frozen wontons, but if you are up for a little more work then try making your own. They are really easy.
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 4
Roast Pumpkin Soup (Australia)
Roast Pumpkin soup is a favourite with locals in Australia. Most countries have a variation of this soup and it is no wonder that it is so well-liked. Pumpkin soup is flavorsome, creamy and filling and the perfect meal for winter. I also love it because it has a subtle sweetness to it that just can't be replicated with any other vegetable, besides butternut of course. The best thing about pumpkin is that it is low in calories but high in nutrients.
Time: 1h 15min
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 8
Locro (Argentina)
Most popular in the Andes Mountains of South America, this Argentinian staple is full of goodness and will be 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 flavorsome dish. I love the idea of bringing South America straight to my kitchen.
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 2
Minestrone Soup (Italy)
Minestrone soup is one of my favourites and a go-to during winter because I know the recipe so well. I like changing it up too with different types of beans and I even make it without pasta if I am not in the mood for the extra carbs. I prefer liquidizing a portion of the soup as well so it isn't as chunky. This is a super easy and fast recipe and jam-packed full of nutrition.
Time: 45 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 6
Red Lentil Soup (Turkey)
The first time I tried this was at a small restaurant in Istanbul and it was love at first bite. Every time I make this great, healthy soup at home I am transported back to my time in Istanbul. 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.
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 6
Pho Ga (Vietnam)
Pho is commonly found all around Vietnam and is an exceptionally yummy and filling soup. It is the perfect meal whether you are making it for yourself or for a dinner party. It is also versatile. The recipe below calls for chicken but you can swap it for any protein. 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.
Time: 45 min
Easy
Serves 6
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Soup (Ireland)
If your looking for something hearty and easy to make, then this Irish traditional soup is the perfect go-to. This is the perfect winter warmer for those cooler days and evenings. It will also keep you full over a longer time, perfect if you're looking to refuel.
Time: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 4
Classic Red Borscht (Russia)
Variations of Borscht are found everywhere from Eastern Europe to the far sides of Russia. 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. This is a family-sized recipe, you can half the recipe easily. Hint: use gloves when handling the beets, they stain your hands.
Time: 1 h 10 mins
Difficulty: Medium
Serves 10
Mulligatawny Soup (India)
You will be surprised to see the ingredients for this soup and wonder why you would add any of them. But I assure you, you won't be sorry with this wonderful Indian classic. This is probably one of the best soups from around the world for you to try and it is 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.
Time: 55 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 6
Caldo Verde (Portugal)
Traditionally a peasant dish, Caldo Verde is one of the tastiest soups from around the world. It is quick and simple and you can substitute some of the ingredients to create different variations. It also has all the nutrients and protein you need to keep healthy and feeling full for a longer time. Instead of chourico you can use a hard chorizo sausage or any similar sausage that you are able to find near you. Pair it with some crusty garlic bread and a good glass of wine and your day will be made.
Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Medium
Serves 4
Chupe de Camarones (Peru)
Chupe de Camarones is the national dish of Peru and can be made with almost anything. A favourite with locals is shrimp (prawns) though which are found in abundance in Peru, especially close to the coast. It is a hearty and tasty soup that will leave you wanting another helping. It is the perfect homely meal whether you make it for yourself or for guests. 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 that difficult as you think.
Time: 1 h 05 min
Difficulty: Medium
Serves 6
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 its easy enough to replicate with different ingredients. And if your not in the mood to make some, you will always find some ready-made in your local supermarket.
Time: 1h 40 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Serves 4