Soup Season: Comfort, Tradition, and Flavor in a Bowl

There’s something about soup season that feels like a warm embrace. A steaming bowl of soup has the power to nourish, comfort, and bring people together around the table. This time of year, I find myself leaning into the rich tradition of soup-making, drawing inspiration from both my Vietnamese heritage and comforting classics from other cultures.

In Vietnamese cuisine, soup is an essential part of everyday meals. A traditional home-cooked dinner typically includes a meat dish, a vegetable dish, and a soup dish. These soups are often made with a simple, light broth, sometimes just vegetables, other times with a combination of meat and vegetables. 

Of course, my soup pot isn’t limited to just Vietnamese flavors. Over the years, I’ve embraced a few American classics—hearty minestrone, with its medley of beans and vegetables, and bold, zesty chicken tortilla soup, both of which have earned a spot in my kitchen rotation.

There’s a saying that soup soothes the soul, and I couldn’t agree more. A good soup doesn’t just nourish the body; it warms us from the inside out, offering comfort on chilly days and a sense of connection to the past. It’s no wonder that across cultures, soup carries a universal sense of home.

I hope you’ll find inspiration in these soups and bring a little warmth to your bowl. Happy soup season, and happy cooking!