“I live on good soup, not on fine words.”
Moliere
In my research into mythologies concerning roosters, I discovered that the origin of chicken soup came from trying the harness the energy of a rooster. It was thought that by eating a rooster, the symbol of the sun, the recipient would be infused with vigour and vitality. I was reminded of all the chicken noodle soups my grandmother and mother made to ward off colds and flues. In the deep winter months, when the snow rested comfortably over the earth, the fragrant aroma of homemade soup coming from the kitchen provided a wonderful sense of belonging, of safety. Every spoonful held the power to protect and fortify.
Soup, which comes from the French “soupe,” is one of those ubiquitous meals that accommodate any occasion. I confess, however, that I have taken this commonplace dish for granted. I have changed my mind now that I have done some research on the subject. Considered one of the world’s oldest food, soup has a rich history dating back almost 5,000 – 6,000 years (and some experts think it could date back 20,000 – 30,000 years – who really knows?) when the idea of “boiling” came into fashion with the invention of waterproof containers, thought to be made of clay. From that moment, soup became a global success, without the help of social media.
Soup has a universal appeal. It is simple to make, delicious to eat and easily digested. Every culture has embraced the idea of combining a nutritious assortment of ingredients to come up with traditional recipes. These recipes came over time and are now readily available to us: Russian borscht, French onion, Chinese won ton, New England Chowder, Manhattan Chowder and the list goes on. It’s easy to stop in at the local grocery store to buy the soup of the day. It is always delicious. But I have another idea.
This winter, I will follow in my mother and grandmother’s footsteps (and all those who came before) by making soup in my kitchen.
Beethoven once said, “Only the pure of heart can make good soup.” I rather like that thought.
Taking the Kitchen 
I love soup! Had it for lunch at a restaurant yesterday, dinner last night, and I have made a big pot of a different soup for dinner tonight!
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It is so good to hear from you!! I have been away from blogging for a few months due to work projects. I really enjoy following your blog. I wish I was your neighbour so I could drop by dinner!!
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Just last night I realized that summer is ending and it will soon be “soup season”! Yay! I vowed to make soup often . . . last winter I didn’t make so much. Ha, could have been because last night I was putting away my better-use-it-a-lot-to-get-my-money’s-worth blender that I thought of making soup!
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Thank you for your wonderful comments and visit! I am looking forward to our conversation. Right now I’m in the Halifax Canada airport ready to board the plane for Scotland. I’ve been trying to make Scotland’s famous oatcakes. I’m going to the source! Get out that blender!!! I have a feeling you are going to make amazing soups! 🌿🌿🌿
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One of my favorites is mushroom!
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Happy to say I make all of the soups in my home (vegetarian), and I love cooking. It’s the cleaning up that evades me. Lol!
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I think that we are finding a resurgence of interest in dining at home. The other day I was reading an article that home economics courses played a pivotal role in educating us with skills, like cooking, shopping, sewing on a button, using a wrench to fix a leaky faucet. I must get back to posting on this blog. There are so many good discussions waiting to happen. Hugs coming your way…
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Yes…Post away! Food is the way to humanity’s heart! {{hugs}}
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I never knew the belief of chicken soup healing came from mythology!! It is a favourite of mine and also in my family when growing up, I learned to make it from real chicken stock from my mother. I rarely eat it now (not because I don’t like it, more that I don’t have room for it!) I like to make vegetable soups and purée them, they are so easy to make and wonderfully delicious and very much a meal! My favourite of all has to be parsnip soup after discovering it’s dry skin healing effects, and pretty much rely on that to keep my skin in good condition. I discovered eating it regularly healed a few other problems too, and makes hair grow a lot faster.
I’ve heard of a few traditional Jewish chicken soup recipes in recent years and noticed they all suggested a parsnip be added as one of the vegetable ingredients. I’m wondering if the healing effects in chicken soups were partly to do with parsnips? Vegetables can be mysteriously wonderful and powerfully nutritious. Long may the soup tradition last! 😀
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I agree wholeheartedly – the soup tradition continues to be a staple in our household. I had to do a mini research on turnips and was surprised by what I found. The turnip is a noble vegetable, indeed. It treats diverticulitis by reducing pressure and inflammation in the colon. Turnips lower blood pressure; their potassium content releases sodium out of the body and helps arteries dilate. Turnips always fight cancer including melanoma, esophageal, prostate and pancreatic. You are so right – “Vegetables can be mysteriously wonderful and powerfully nutritious.”
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Soup, she says, and taunts us with tomatoes and asparagus. Oh summer, come soon! Love Beethoven’s quote. Bowing to your mother and grandmother’s traditions. What’s on the stove today?
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It was muffins today. I must post some of my “cooking/baking” photos. They are quite different from the ones that adorn the amazing food-blogs!!! But it is all in the taste of the finished product. I think I’ll make tea – come join me!
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Tea and muffins sound just about right. Cheers —
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Lieber Gruß und einen schönen Dienstag Gruß Gislinde
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Danke für Ihren Besuch und Kommentare. Du hast meinen Tag schön. Ich bin so froh, dass wir zu verbinden.
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Imagine making soup in the first water proof vessels! And made of clay–maybe when the first wheel came into popularity! Who knows!!! And then there was my grandmothers “soup kettle” and my mother’s special “soup maker” built right into the “modern” stove that my parents purchased. Now, I have the crock pot, I love it! The soup can simmer at will to slowly take and combine the flavors of the meat and vegetables of choice. And what a way to make chicken noodle (or dumpling) soup! Yum,yum! Thank you for all the history/mythology –so new to me and very interesting.
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My absolute pleasure!!
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