Vegetable Noodle Soup, also known as the Vegetable and Noodle Soup and the Vegetarian Noodle Soup, is essentially an Asian preparation. Basically, it is a common noodle soup made only with vegetables and vegetarian broth. There is absolutely no use of meats, non-vegetarian broth and any other ingredients that are categorized as 'not vegetarian' (except for a few fusion recipes). While egg noodles are commonly used, those looking to make a completely vegan variation of the soup replace egg noodles with plain noodles, pasta or spaghetti.
Vegetable Noodle Soups are a common appetizer in Asia and in some regions, a fuller and richer version of the soup is served as a main dish, with some bread on the side.
While there is some evidence to suggest that the soup might have originated in a Western nation, it is most widely considered a Chinese invention. In fact, references to a Vegetable Noodle Soup-like dish have been found in some ancient Chinese documents as well as in cookbooks from the Middle Ages. Over the years, the dish has evolved in various ways but most of its basic features continue to remain the same.
When made night, a Vegetarian Noodle Soup is a very aromatic and delectable preparation.
Commonly Used Ingredients in the Preparation of Vegetable Noodle Soups
When made in the most basic and traditional way, Vegetable Noodle Soups are prepared with egg noodles, a seasoning of choice and a very light broth. There are over a hundred recipes to make the soup and each recipe, in addition to the basics, has its own list of ingredients that include almost every vegetable, herbs and spices and dairy products.
The noodles used in the recipe also differ. Egg noodles, plain noodles, spaghetti and pasta are some of the most commonly used noodles. Herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, thyme, basil, cumin, pepper, salt and rosemary, to name a few, give flavor and aroma to noodle soups that are basically a very bland preparation. Shredded cheese, croutons and dollops of cream are some other common additions.
Preparation Overview of Vegetable Noodle Soups
The basic version of the Vegetable Noodle Soup is a very easy preparation with a make time of about 30 minutes. Even when additions are made, the soup continues to be an easy to make dish, but the preparation time might slightly increase. Traditionally, the soups are slow cooked but in the interest of saving time, modern day chefs make the most of quick cooking equipment like hot plates and stoves. The soup is cooked directly over heat and while garnish is not used most of the times, a small sprinkling of coriander is sometimes added to the top.
In order to prepare the soup, the vegetables are first sliced, diced, cleaned, cubed, etc.(as required), and then sautéed in very little butter or oil for a few minutes. In the cooking pot (mostly metal but others are also used), the ingredients are all mixed together and cooked till the soup is done.
Popular Vegetable Noodle Soup Recipe Variations
There are various popular variations of the basic Vegetable Noodle Soup. Some of the most well-known are:
Asian Vegetable and Noodle Soup - This predominantly Asian preparation makes use of popular vegetables like carrots, onions, scallions, spring onions and seasoning agents like vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, etc.
Tofu Soup - A very healthy and nutritious preparation, this soup originated in Asia but is popular everywhere in the world today.
Vegan Noodle Soups - A variety of Vegetarian Noodle Soups that do not use any dairy products, eggs, egg drops, etc.
Chicken/Beef Vegetable Noodle Soups - These soups combine together vegetables, noodles and meats.
Trivia
Vegetable Noodle Soup is a very versatile dish and almost every noodle soup in the world can be turned into the preparation by simple making a few changes to the ingredients used.