January, known for its chilly weather and the spirit of new beginnings with the new year, is also celebrated as "National Soup Month." This unofficial designation, initiated by Campbell's Soup Co. in 1986 as a promotional campaign, highlights soup's warming and comforting qualities during the coldest month in most parts of the U.S.
A Brief History of Soup
Soup has a rich history, with soup bowls being among the earliest kitchen tools discovered by archaeologists. Originating as street food in France, soups were known as "restoratifs," indicating their health and digestive benefits. This term eventually evolved into "restaurant" as soup vendors moved indoors to establish eateries.
The word "soup" itself has an interesting etymology. Initially called "sop" in Latin, German, and Old English, it referred to a piece of bread soaked in liquid. Over time, as the liquid began to be served independently, the term became "soup." Additionally, soup mixes, akin to today's bouillon cubes, were one of the first convenience foods in America, with travelers carrying "pocket soups" – dried cakes of animal juices.
Soup Making with the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker
Preparing soup has become more convenient than ever, especially with appliances like the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker. This innovative device simplifies soup-making, significantly reducing cooking time while delivering rich, deep flavors. Its precision and versatility make it an ideal tool for crafting a variety of soups, from hearty stews to delicate broths, many of which can be found in the CHEF iQ App.
Featured Soup Recipes from the CHEF iQ App
This gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free version of the classic Chinese soup requires 20 minutes of hands-on work. Combining ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a savory broth creates a deep flavor profile. The ingredients include canola oil, ground pork, onion, garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, salt, cornstarch, water, eggs, firm tofu, and scallions. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with minced mushrooms or tofu.
This creamy soup, perfect as a starter for a special dinner, balances the sweetness of pumpkin with a hint of chili powder and aromatic rosemary and thyme. The ingredients are unsalted butter, onion, carrot, celery stalk, salt, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, thyme, pumpkin spice, rosemary, chili powder, and bay leaves. To make it vegan, use plant-based butter, cream, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
A bowl of homemade chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe, which includes olive oil, boneless skinless chicken thighs, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, chicken broth, bay leaves, and parsley, can be served with crusty bread or enhanced with noodles, rice, or dumplings. For a gluten-free option, opt for rice or gluten-free noodles.
This recipe is ideal with grilled cheese and a classic tomato soup with a touch of cream for richness. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes. The ingredients are olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, whole tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, black pepper, sugar, heavy cream, and parsley. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative.
Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup is perfect for any occasion, celebrating the marriage of flavors rather than nuptials. The ingredients include ground beef, egg, half and half, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, kale, chicken broth, and pasta. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
This hearty soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the inclusion of barley. The ingredients are olive oil, chuck roast, mushrooms, carrots, onion, celery, russet potatoes, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, tomato paste, beef broth, and pearl barley. Substitute the beef with extra mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this comforting dish.
With its rich history and versatility, Soup is the perfect dish to celebrate during National Soup Month. Using the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker, you can easily explore these diverse and comforting soup recipes, each offering a unique blend of flavors and textures to warm up your January evenings. Whether you're craving the spicy tang of Hot and Sour Soup or the creamy richness of Pumpkin Soup, these recipes will satisfy your soup cravings while showcasing the convenience and culinary prowess of the CHEF iQ Smart Cooker.
