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Sip, Slurp, Savor & Go: A Global Adventure With Soup!

There’s no denying that autumn is soup season. The comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of soup can be a true autumn delight, especially when sipping it with lovers and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a home cook, this season offers the perfect opportunity to savor soups from around the world.

Why not embark on a culinary journey by ordering these global gems in those hole-in-the-wall restaurants when you travel, or recreate them at home with hand-picked recipes from my journeys around the internet? Explore the delicate flavors of French Onion Soup, the spicy kick of Thai Tom Yum, the rich depths of Italian Wedding Soup, or the wholesome comfort of Japanese Miso Soup. These are just a few examples of the countless options available to tantalize your taste buds.

So, this autumn, embrace the spirit of adventure and warmth that only a bowl of soup can offer. Expand your palate and share the joy of international flavors with friends and family by trying these mouthwatering recipes. Your culinary expedition awaits!

*Note: as a “no pork on my fork” and “lips of mine will not touch swine” kinda fella, when recipes call for pork, I find a meat replacement.*

Tom Yum (Thailand)
With its complex blend of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, Tom Yum is a culinary adventure that promises to delight your senses. So, whether you’re an experienced chef or a home cook seeking a thrilling culinary experience, Tom Yum is a Thai treasure that’s waiting for you! Pull out those old pots and prepare to savor its delightful notes of lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves, and it all begins with the “Tom Yum Trinity”: lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

My Favorite Recipe for Tom Yum Soup

French Onion Soup (France)
French Onion Soup, a timeless classic, is a warm, savory embrace in a bowl. In a fragrant kitchen, sweet onions turn into caramelized perfection, then mingle with rich meat stock. The magic peaks with bread holding a layer of molten cheese under the broiler. Not surprisingly, this gem’s tale begins in medieval France but blossomed into today’s symbol of comfort and elegance in the mid-19th century. I was skeptical at first, but in a diner in Luxembourg, my mind was changed forever.

My Favorite Recipe for French Onion Soup

Miso Soup (Japan)
Miso soup is a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, a culinary gem that transcends its simple ingredients. Imagine a delicate dance of umami-rich miso paste, silky sheets of seaweed, and tender cubes of tofu, all suspended in a fragrant broth that whispers of the sea. This Japanese masterpiece is the embodiment of balance and subtlety, where each sip is a gentle wave of flavor. Irasshaimase!

My Favorite Recipe for Miso Soup
My Favorite Recipe for *Spicy* Miso Soup

Italian Wedding Soup (Italy)
This soup is not just about the union of flavors; it’s about the celebration of life’s most cherished moments. Whether you’re gathered around a family table or seeking comfort on a chilly evening, Italian Wedding Soup is the embodiment of love, tradition, and the pure joy of savoring life’s simple pleasures. It’s a soup that symbolizes unity and celebration, making it a perfect addition to gatherings and, yes, even those autumn weddings.

My Favorite Recipe for Italian Wedding Soup

Palestinian Red Lentil Soup (Palestine)
Palestinian Red Lentil Soup, a beloved culinary treasure that transcends borders and history, is a bowl of comfort with a rich narrative. Imagine a hearty blend of red lentils simmering in a fragrant broth infused with earthy spices like cumin and coriander. This soup is a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a taste of tradition that connects generations and cultures.

The story of Palestinian Red Lentil Soup is an age-old saga of resilience and resourcefulness. It’s a staple in Palestinian households, a symbol of unity, and a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. With every spoonful, you taste not just the warm embrace of the soup but also the history and heart of a people.

My Favorite Recipe for Palestinian Red Lentil Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup (Mexico)
Chicken Tortilla Soup is fiesta! It is a captivating blend of textures and flavors that transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico. Imagine a simmering cauldron of savory chicken, earthy spices, and vibrant vegetables, all coming together in a harmonious celebration of Southwestern cuisine. Each spoonful is an adventure, a tantalizing journey through layers of taste and tradition.

My Favorite Recipes for Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cullen Skink (Scotland)
Cullen Skink, a Scottish delicacy that whispers tales of coastal charm and hearty warmth, is a bowl of liquid comfort infused with the essence of the sea. Picture the quaint fishing village of Cullen on the rugged shores of Scotland, where this iconic soup originates. In each spoonful, you’ll find a delightful blend of smoky haddock, tender potatoes, and creamy richness, crowned with fresh parsley. The name “Cullen Skink” may sound whimsical, but its taste is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a reminder of the humble origins of this dish, hailing from a time when resourceful Scottish fishermen – my people, according to Ancestry DNA – crafted culinary masterpieces from the day’s catch.

My Favorite Recipe for Cullen Skink Soup

Mulligatawny Soup (India)
Mulligatawny Soup, a culinary gem that carries the scents and spices of far-off lands, is a bowl of adventure waiting to be savored. Imagine a fragrant blend of Indian spices, richly simmered in a luscious broth, mingling with tender chicken, lentils, and an enticing array of vegetables. With each spoonful, you embark on a journey through the bustling streets of the Indian subcontinent, where history and flavor dance hand in hand. The name “Mulligatawny” itself is a testament to the soup’s exotic allure, originating from the Tamil words “milagu” (pepper) and “tannir” (water). It’s a glorious fusion of East meets West, a reminder of the colonial influence that shaped this comforting masterpiece.

My Favorite Recipe for Mulligatawny Soup

We’d love to know how your favorite soups and don’t be afraid to show us how they turned out! Just tag us on Instagram: @PassportReq!

Buen provecho!

Darnell Lamont Walker, a self-professed traveling foodie, has been found sitting at tables eating baby goat sweetbreads, drinking tequila, and laughing loudly with strangers. The writer, filmmaker, artist, and sometimes photographer puts happiness above all.