subscribe
Food

Soups For The Soul: 4 Irresistible Chef-Crafted Recipes To Warm Your Heart

A bowl of comfort! From hearty broths to creamy blends, these chef-crafted soups promise comfort, bold flavours, and a touch of warmth in every spoonful.

| Vaishnavi Rana
Soups

There is no other dish that soothes the body and soul quite like a warm, comforting soup. Whether it is something rich and hearty, light and refreshing, or infused with bold spices, there’s a soup for every mood.

For centuries, soups have been a staple in kitchens across the world steeped in tradition, filled with nourishing ingredients, and offering a taste of home in every spoonful. The aromatic, spice-laden broths of Asia come together with the creamy, herb-infused soups of the west, each culture bringing its own magic. 

For your next cozy day inside or a romantic evening with your partner, these chef-crafted recipes are sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Read on and let these 4 soups bring comfort, warmth, and a little extra joy to your table.

Dumpling Soup by Chef Mitesh Rangras of Tango Tamari, Mumbai

This hearty and flavourful dumpling soup features minced chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a fragrant broth.

Ginger chicken dumpling

Ingredients

  • 200g minced chicken

  • 10-12 dumplings

  • 100g boiled noodles (adjust as preferred)

  • 2 tomatoes

  • 2 chilies (green or red)

  • 1 medium red onion, chopped

  • ½ bundle spring onion greens, chopped

  • 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 10-15ml soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)

  • Small bunch pok choy (or spinach), shredded

  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil

  • Few drops Chinese sesame oil (optional)

  • 1 tbsp white vinegar

  • 2 tbsp sriracha (optional, for spice)

  • 1L water or chicken stock

Preparation

Step 1

Stir-fry garlic, onion, chili, tomato, and minced chicken in a wok.

Step 2

 Add water, soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar to form the broth.

Step 3

 Bring to a boil, add dumplings to simmer, or steam separately.

Step 4

 Add shredded greens, remaining soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Step 5

 Serve with boiled noodles, garnished with spring onions.

If you're in the mood for something filling and comforting, this dumpling soup is the answer. The mix of tender dumplings, rich broth, and fresh greens makes for an unforgettable dish. Add to that a soulful broth and it is a recipe that’s unforgettable. 

Tom Yum Prawn Soup by Chef Eric Sifu of FOO and KOKO, Mumbai

Tom Yum Prawn

This classic Thai soup comes with a tangy and spicy broth infused with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and fresh prawns.

Ingredients

  • Water or prawn stock

  • Kaffir lime leaves

  • Lemongrass, chopped

  • Galangal, sliced

  • Bird’s eye chilies

  • 1 tbsp Thai chili paste

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • ½ cup mushrooms, sliced

  • ½ cup carrot, sliced

  • ½ cup Chinese cabbage, chopped

  • ½ cup snow peas

  • ½ cup lotus root, sliced

  • 200g prawns, cleaned

  • 2 tbsp lime juice

  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Bring water or prawn stock to a boil. Add kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and chilies. Simmer.

Step 2

 Stir in Thai chili paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Continue simmering.

Step 3

 Add mushrooms, carrot, cabbage, snow peas, and lotus root. Cook until tender.

Step 4

 Add prawns and cook until pink and opaque.

Step 5

 Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh coriander.

For those who crave bold and spicy flavours, this Tom Yum soup delivers. Its balance of heat, tang, and umami makes it a truly iconic Thai dish.

Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup by Chef Rahul Istwal - Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort, Bengaluru

 

Avocado and cucumber soup

This creamy, cooling, and hydrating soup is perfect for warm weather, blending fresh cucumber and avocado with yogurt.

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (or coconut milk for vegan option)

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup water (adjust as needed)

  • Fresh dill or mint for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Blend cucumber, avocado, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 2

Gradually add water to adjust consistency.

Step 3

Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 4

Garnish with fresh dill or mint and serve cold.

This soup is the perfect choice for warm days when you need something hearty. With its creamy texture and fresh flavours, it's a refreshing delight to enjoy either solo or with your loved ones.

Edamame Nutty Soup by Chef Eric Sifu of FOO and KOKO, Mumbai

Edamame nutty soup

A light yet flavourful soup comes with a mix of vegetables, nuts, and edamame beans, finished with a nutty crunch.

Ingredients

  • 5g carrots

  • 5g cabbage

  • 2g spinach

  • 1g Thai red chili

  • 3g goji berry

  • 2g white pepper

  • 6g mixed nuts

  • 3g edamame beans

  • Starch (as needed, to thicken)

  • Salt (to taste)

Preparation

Step 1

Heat vegetable stock in a wok.

Step 2

Add all vegetables and seasoning, letting them simmer.

Step 3

Stir in starch to achieve desired thickness.

Step 4

Garnish with chopped mixed nuts and serve hot.

A wonderful balance of earthy flavours and a hint of spice, this soup is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy edamame and mixed nuts. Perfect for when you want something light and fresh to make your day!

From the heartwarming Edamame soup to the zesty Tom Yum Prawn, these soups cater to every palate. Whether you prefer bold flavours, creamy textures, or light broths, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your kitchen. So grab a spoon and savour the goodness of these soulful soups!

Related stories