Soups in summer – To have or not to have

The very thought of soups in summer makes a lot of people feel uncomfortable. When the mercury outside is on the rise, all you want is chilled drinks in your hand, fresh salads, and juicy fruits. But hold on, soups in summer aren’t such a bad idea. The reason is something to remember from those science classes in school. Do you know how you fight fire with fire? Soups work on the same concept. When you eat something hot when the weather outside is warm, it tunes your internal temperature to that of the outside and you don’t feel as hot.

Here are our three favorite reasons why you should have soups in summer –

Soups are the easiest food to make. Most soup recipes can be made as a one-pot meal, using a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Soups are a great way to consume a lot of nutrition in one go. If you are looking for a wholesome meal, including a lot of vegetables, but you don’t always have the time to cook separate dishes or eat different varieties at the same time, soups can help you achieve all that in one meal.

Soups are easy to digest, especially during the summer, when the heat outside can make it difficult to work up an appetite. Being liquid, soups break down easily while also providing all the nutrition you need in a meal.

The best soups in summer you should try

There are a host of soups you can make this seasons that range from savory to spicy and sweet. While some of the best summer soups are served chilled like borscht, or a gazpacho, there are also warm and hot options that can help you beat the heat –

Chicken Noodle Soup

Let’s just call this a meal in a bowl. There’s noodles, chicken, and veggies, all in one big bowl, in this classic dish. But a Vietnamese version of the Chicken Noodle soup could take this traditional comfort food to the next level! It’s warm but also comforting this season and you can balance the spices as per your taste. Though a little piquant, vegetables and fresh herbs like coriander, mint, shallots, and lime, bring out a range of refreshing flavors in this soup.

Vegan Cucumber Soup

There are many chilled/cold soup recipes other than gazpacho and this cucumber soup is a great example. Juicy cucumbers combined with fresh dill, garlic, and onions, come together in a wholesome blend with soy milk. You could also try coconut milk for a creamier taste. Serve it with some lightly grilled veggies or meat, if you like, or have it standalone for a delightful meal.

Summer Borscht

A recipe originating in Eastern Europe, Borscht is served both hot and cold. But since we are talking about summer soups, this recipe by Ina Garten calls for the cold version. Fresh, juicy beets and cucumber give the crunch and all the hydration you need, and the tartness from yogurt, sour cream, and lemon juice adds that zing that the palate craves in this heat. This bright and cheery Borscht is definitely one of the soups in summer to try!

As much as ice creams and cold juices feel refreshing on the taste-buds, these easy and flavorful soups will also make you enjoy a great meal and keep you rejuvenated this summer.