Italian Soup

Italian soup is a collective term for soups which reportedly originated in Italy and are an indispensible part of the Italian cuisine. While it is very difficult to exactly pin-down the foods of Italy, their styles and origins, as there are various local cuisines instead of one large national cuisine, soups are one preparation which are found everywhere in the country. These are also popular among Italians living in other countries as well as with people from other nationalities.

Soups from Italy were traditionally made with special Italian ingredients as the foods focused on making the most of the local produces available. Today, native soups of the country are considered a delicacy almost everywhere in the world.

Italian Soup Recipes: Common Ingredients Used

While water, salt, pepper and stock are some of the common ingredients found in almost every Italian soup prepared, there is no particular list of ingredients that can be used. There are over 100 different types of soups made in homes, restaurants and cafes in Italy as well as overseas in Italian houses, cafes and eateries. Almost all vegetables, meats, seasoning agents, flavorings and condiments can be used to make the soups.

From onions, tomatoes and peppers to meats, like chicken, beef and pork are used for different recipes. Cheese is one of the most important ingredients and is often used in grated form as a topping.

Italian Soups: Preparation Overview

The preparation methods for the soups differ based on the recipe being followed and the ingredients used. The time taken also depends largely on these factors. Mostly, however, cooking and the method of preparation and soups take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour, or even more, to be cooked properly. Some recipes are more complex and elaborate than others.

The ingredients are all prepared as required and mixed as per the recipe. After the cooking is over, seasonings and toppings are added.

Serving and Eating

An Italian soup is often serve hot and consumed as a starter or, if it is a filling soup, as a whole meal. It can also be a part of a major breakfast, lunch or dinner meal. Cheese and bread crumbs or cubes are common toppings. Sometimes, the soups are also consumed as a snack.

Italian Soup Recipe: Popular Types

There are various types of the soup, but some are more popular and widely know than the others:

• Jota - This is a simple soup made with beans and sauerkraut.
• Minestra d'Aglio - Essentially a bread soup, this preparation has a very distinct flavor of garlic.
• Minestra di Pane e Ribollita - A minx of vegetables and thick meat, this Italian soup is considered the perfect winter starter.
• Supa de Scigol - Italy's signature onion soup, it is often compared to French Onion soup. This is, however, richer and smoother.
• Zuppa di Primavera - The soup is made with pasta, potatoes and vegetables.

Italian Soups: Trivia

• Most of the soups in Italy are considered winter foods and are believed to strengthen the body during the harsh winter months.
• When made traditionally, Italian soup is slow-cooked to bring out the best possible flavor.