Soup is one of the most universal and versatile dishes in the world. It can be served hot or cold, as a starter or a main course, and with a variety of ingredients and flavours. Soup can also reflect the culture and history of different regions and countries, as each soup has its own unique origin and story. In this post, we will continue discovering more soup varieties and origins and learn how to make them at home. We will cover the following soups:
Korean Oxtail Soup
Korean oxtail soup , or kori gomtang, is a rich and hearty soup that is made by simmering oxtails for several hours until the meat is tender and the broth is milky. Oxtails are the tail of a steer, and they have a lot of collagen and gelatin that give the soup a silky texture and a deep flavour. The Korean oxtail soup is seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and green onions, and sometimes with rice vinegar or soy sauce for extra tanginess. Korean oxtail soup is a popular dish in Korea, especially during cold weather or when you need a boost of energy. Korean oxtail soup is often served with rice, kimchi, and other side dishes.
Some tips for making Korean oxtail soup are:
- Soak the oxtails in cold water for a few hours or overnight to remove any blood and impurities.
- Blanch the oxtails in boiling water for about 10 minutes to get rid of any excess fat and foam.
- Rinse the oxtails and the pot well before adding fresh water and aromatics.
- Cook the soup over low heat for at least 2 hours or until the meat falls off the bones. Skim off any scum or fat that rises to the surface.
- Add the radish, if using, about 30 minutes before the soup is done. The radish will add some sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- Season the Korean oxtail soup with salt and pepper to taste, and add some vinegar or soy sauce if you like. Sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Manchow Soup
Manchow soup is a spicy and savoury soup that is popular in Indian Chinese cuisine. Manchow soup is a vegetable-based soup that is thickened with cornstarch and flavoured with soy sauce, vinegar, chilli sauce, and garlic. Manchow soup is usually topped with crispy fried noodles and served with a side of chilli vinegar. Manchow soup is a great appetizer or a light meal that can be easily customized with your choice of vegetables, tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
Some tips for making Manchow soup are:
- Use a variety of vegetables for colour and texture, such as onion, carrot, cabbage, capsicum, mushroom, and beans. Chop them finely so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Fry the garlic, ginger, and green chillies in oil until fragrant, then add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Add the vegetable stock or water and bring the soup to a boil. Season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli sauce. Adjust the spiciness and sourness according to your preference.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in some water and add it to the soup, stirring constantly, to thicken it. Simmer for a few minutes until the soup is smooth and glossy.
- Fry some noodles in hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle some salt over them.
- Serve the Manchow soup hot, topped with fried noodles and chopped coriander leaves. Enjoy with some chilli vinegar on the side.
Santa Fe Soup
Santa Fe soup is a warm and cosy soup that is inspired by the flavours of the Southwest. Santa Fe soup is a hearty soup that is loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese and seasoned with taco and ranch dressing mixes. Santa Fe soup is easy to make in one pot and can be customized with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, olives, and tortilla chips. Santa Fe soup is a delicious way to feed a crowd or enjoy a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Some tips for making Santa Fe soup are:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and return the beef to the pot.
- Add the onion, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mixes and stir well to combine. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft.
- Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese and stir well. You can use any kind of beans you like, such as kidney, black, or pinto beans. You can also use fresh, frozen, or canned corn and cream-style or whole-kernel corn. You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup is bubbly.
- Serve the Santa Fe soup hot, garnished with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, olives, and tortilla chips. Enjoy with some bread or crackers.
Shrimp and Corn Soup
Shrimp and corn soup is a creamy and delicious soup that is perfect for a chilly day. Shrimp and corn soup combines tender shrimp, sweet corn, thick cream, and a blend of spices for a satisfying dish that is more like a bisque than a soup. Shrimp and corn soup is easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Shrimp and corn soup is a great way to use up leftover shrimp or corn, or you can use frozen or canned ingredients for convenience.
Some tips for making shrimp and corn soup are:
- Peel and devein the shrimp, if needed, and season them with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp in any size you like. You can also use chicken or sausage instead of shrimp if you prefer.
- Melt some butter in a large pot over medium-high heat and saute the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes. Add some flour and cook, stirring, for a few minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in some chicken broth, cream, and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the corn and shrimp and cook for another 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn and cream-style or whole-kernel corn. You can also add some potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables if you like.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add some vinegar, lemon juice, or hot sauce for some extra tang and heat.
- Serve the shrimp and corn soup hot, sprinkled with some parsley, if desired. Enjoy with some crusty bread or crackers.
Spaghetti Soup
Spaghetti soup is a fun and tasty soup that has all the great flavours of your favourite dish of spaghetti with beef sauce without a lot of fussy preparation. Spaghetti soup is a one-pot meal that has ground beef, spaghetti, tomatoes, and cheese cooked in a savoury broth with herbs and spices. Spaghetti soup is a kid-friendly and family-friendly soup that is filling and satisfying. Spaghetti soup is a great way to use up leftover spaghetti or sauce, or you can make it from scratch with simple ingredients.
Some tips for making spaghetti soup are:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, draining the excess fat. Add some onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add some chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf and bring the soup to a boil. Break the spaghetti into small pieces and add them to the soup. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in some cheese and cook until melted about 5 minutes. You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
- Serve the Spaghetti soup hot, garnished with more cheese and parsley, if desired. Enjoy with some salad or garlic bread.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about more soup varieties and origins. Soup is a wonderful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, and we hope you learned something new and interesting about these soups. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!
