National Homemade Soup Day
National Homemade Soup Day is celebrated on February 4. Soup is the perfect winter meal. People have been enjoying this simple yet extremely delicious dish since 20,000 B.C. Different flavors and types of soups are eaten around the world according to the culinary culture of a particular region. For example, soups in India and China are spicier than those served in New Zealand and Canada. They are also combined with other ingredients such as meats or vegetables to add more taste to them. However, soup is generally just a liquid, normally served warm.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY
Soup has remained a popular dish throughout the globe for many years. However, the European countries were majorly responsible for its origination and growth. Its discovery proved to be vital for restaurants all over the world, as its demand has continuously increased amongst the masses.
Soup dates back as far as about 20,000 B.C. to before the time humans used modern cooking equipment or techniques. Boiling was a common practice in terms of how food was prepared and served. After the discovery of waterproof containers made out of clay, boiling became even more common and humans started cooking plants and animals. A vital element of their diet was liquid containing chunks of vegetables and/or meat. This is how soup came into existence.
The word ‘soup’ itself originated from the French word ‘soupe,’ which means broth. This French word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word ‘suppa,’ which means a piece of soaked bread.
In the 18th century, French street vendors started to make and sell high-quality exotic soup dishes called ‘restoratifs,’ which lead to the birth of the first restaurants. Furthermore, in 1765, a particular businessman in Paris opened up a shop that was dedicated entirely to the preparation of good quality soups. Apart from Europe, North America also played a role in the progression of soup. One of the first-ever cookbooks was written by William Parks, which had a great impact amongst the Americans who were interested in cooking. In the book, several chapters included recipes and ways of cooking soup. Emma Pike Ewing wrote an American cooking pamphlet on soups (“Soup and Soup Making”), which was distributed all over the country. Lastly, for better storage, the portable soup was also created in the 18th century, which made soup even more popular.
NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Share your experience
We’re sure that by this time we’ve all tasted a lot of various soups from different places. National Homemade Soup Day allows you to dig deep into your memories and recall one of the soup experiences that stands out to you, and why.
2.Try a new soup
If we should list the various flavors of soups around the globe, it will probably take us a while. There are numerous variants of soups such as buridda, butajiru, cazuela, chicken-noodle, and chupe. On this day, you should cook, and consequently try, a completely different flavor of soup with the ingredients of your choice. Essentially, you can try to develop a completely new soup recipe. It will enhance not just your cooking skills, but also the extent of your creativity.
3.Learn to make your favorite soup with your family
A gathering of the whole family is an integral part of any holiday. This holiday expects no less. On February 4, bring your whole family together and prepare a soup that is loved and enjoyed by everyone. You can also learn how to make different soups from different members of your family. It’s not just all fun and games, National Homemade Soup Day can also be a learning experience.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL HOMEMADE SOUP DAY
A. Soups are tasty
Soup is delicious. It’s beyond our comprehension that a single bowl can have so many flavors! The taste brings all the spices and seasonings together to make it almost impossible for any person to stop until they’ve finished the entire bowl. Moreover, there are several combinations of flavors to choose from. All of them are unique and tasty in their own way.
B. Options are endless
The best thing about soup is that no flavor gets left out. The options are so diverse that it can be enjoyed by every type of consumer. Those who prefer plain can have chicken noodle soup. And others who are fans of spices will enjoy shrimp creole soup. Since it’s relatively easier to prepare, you have the option to experiment using different ingredients, which opens up a range of different types and flavors.
C. Enjoying diversity
On this holiday, people from cultures all around the world enjoy this culinary masterpiece we call soup. People from different regions and entirely different backgrounds come together and taste each other’s soup. Each culture has its own way of preparing and eating soup.
References:
“National Homemade Soup Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-homemade-soup-day/