Soup

Soup
TypeSoup
Main ingredientsLiquid (stock, juice, water), meat or vegetables or other ingredients
VariationsClear soup, thick soup

Soup is a primarily liquid food, generally served warm or hot (but may be cool or cold), that is made by combining ingredients of meat or vegetables with stock, milk, or water. Hot soups are additionally characterized by boiling solid ingredients in liquids in a pot until the flavors are extracted, forming a broth. 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 (broth) than stews.[1]

In traditional French cuisine, 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 pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, pig's trotters and bird's nests.[2]

Other types of soup include fruit soups, dessert soups, pulse soups such as split pea, cold soups and other styles.

  1. ^ Goltz, Eileen (9 November 2008). "Soup vs. stew: Difference in details". The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana). Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 6 March 2010.
  2. ^ "5 Ways to Thicken Soup to Achieve the Perfect Consistency". Better Homes & Gardens. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.