Soup stubs

Soup is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm or hot (but may be cool or cold), that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid. Soups are similar to stews, and in some cases, there may not be a clear distinction between the two; however, soups generally have more liquid than stews.

History

The history of soup is as old as the history of cooking. The act of combining various ingredients in a large pot to create a nutritious, filling, easily digested, simple to make/serve food was inevitable. This made it the perfect choice for both sedentary and nomadic societies, rich and poor, young and old, and for the healthy and the sick. Soup (and stews) were easily digested and were found to be the perfect solution for utilizing less desirable and accessible ingredients.

Types

Soups are classified into two main groups: clear soups and thick soups. The established French classifications of clear soups are bouillon and consommé. Thick soups are classified depending upon the type of thickening agent used: purées are vegetable soups thickened with starch; bisques are made from puréed shellfish or vegetables thickened with cream; cream soups may be thickened with béchamel sauce; and veloutés are thickened with eggs, butter, and cream.

Other ingredients commonly used to thicken soups and broths include rice, lentils, flour, and grains; many popular soups also include carrots and potatoes.

Cultural Significance

Soups are a significant part of the cuisine of nearly every culture and have been used to provide sustenance during times of scarcity and to celebrate abundance. They can be served as a starter, a main dish, or even a dessert, and are valued for their ability to be both filling and nutritious.

Preparation

The preparation of soup involves various methods of cooking, such as boiling, simmering, baking, and sautéing. Ingredients are prepared by chopping or slicing them, then they are added to the liquid base and cooked over a period of time. The cooking process allows the flavors of the ingredients to merge and creates a harmoniously flavored dish.

Nutritional Value

Soups can be a key component of a nutritious diet. They provide hydration, are a good source of nutrients, and depending on the ingredients, can be high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Soups made with bone broth are also touted for their health benefits, including supporting joint health and improving digestion.

Soup Stubs

Soup stubs are short articles on Wikipedia that provide an introduction to various types of soups but are deemed too short to provide encyclopedic coverage of a subject. These stubs are tagged with the aim of encouraging further expansion to provide more comprehensive details about different soups, their history, preparation methods, cultural significance, and variations.