A Brief History of Soup :)

Welcome to an exploration of one of the oldest and most beloved foods in the world – soup! From ancient times to modern day, soup has played an important role in the diets of many cultures and civilizations. In this article, we will delve into the rich history of soup and discover how it has evolved over the centuries. From Sumerian meat and vegetable stews to medieval European thick and hearty soups, we will explore the different ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance of soup throughout history. We will also discover the fascinating facts about soup, such as the world’s largest serving of soup, the origin of the word soup, and the invention of canned soup. So, grab a spoon, a bowl, and join us as we discover the history of soup.

Soup Through the Ages

Soup has a long history dating back to ancient times. The earliest known recipe for soup is a Sumerian recipe for a meat and vegetable stew that dates back to 6000 BC. In ancient Egypt, soup was a common food for the poor and was often made with vegetables and barley.

In ancient Greece, soup was known as “kosmos” and was considered a food for the lower classes. It was typically made with vegetables and legumes and was sometimes thickened with grains. In ancient Rome, soup was also a food for the lower classes and was often made with barley and vegetables.

In ancient China, soup was an important part of the diet and was often made with meat, fish, and vegetables. The Chinese also developed the technique of simmering, which is still used today in many soups.

In medieval Europe, soup was a staple food for the poor and was often made with whatever ingredients were available. It was typically a thick and hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and grains.

In the 19th century, canned soup was invented and became popular as a convenient and easy-to-store food. Today, soup is a staple food in many cultures around the world and is made with a wide variety of ingredients and techniques.

Ramen, a Japanese noodles soup dish, originated in China and was brought to Japan by Chinese traders in the late 19th century. It became widely popular in Japan and spread to the world.

Overall, Soup has been an essential part of human diet for thousands of years and has been widely adopted in many cultures and civilizations. Each culture has its own unique way of making soups and its own traditional soups.

Ancient Roman Soup Recipe

Fere is an example of an ancient soup recipe:

Ancient Roman “Pulte” Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. barley
• 1 lb. legumes (peas, lentils, or beans)
• 2 lbs. vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, leeks)
• 4 lbs. meat (beef, pork or mutton)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the barley and legumes overnight.
2. In a large pot, add the meat and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add the vegetables and barley to the pot, and simmer for another hour.
4. Add the legumes and continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the barley and legumes are cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with bread.

This recipe is based on the ancient Roman soup “Pulte” which was typically a barley and legume based soup with meat and vegetables. It was considered a food for the lower classes in ancient Rome. This is just an example and there are many variations of ancient soup recipes that can be found.

Amazing Soup Facts

• The world’s largest serving of soup was made in 2000 by Campbell’s Soup Company in Camden, New Jersey, USA. The soup was a tomato-based recipe and filled a 6,300 gallon (23,700 liter) container.
• The word “soup” comes from the Old English word “sop,” which referred to a piece of bread that was dipped in liquid.
• The oldest known recipe for soup is a Sumerian recipe for a meat and vegetable stew that dates back to 6000 BC.
• In ancient times, soup was often served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. The bread would soak up the liquid, making it both a bowl and a part of the meal.
• In some cultures, it’s customary to drink soup from a bowl held in the hand, rather than using a spoon.
• The phrase “stone soup” is used to describe a situation where a small contribution from each person leads to a large and satisfying outcome.
• The dish Ramen originated from China but it became widely popular in Japan and spread to the world.
• The first canned soup was sold by the Campbell Soup Company in 1897.
• In Russia, it is customary to serve a hot soup as the first course of a meal, even breakfast.

So there you have it! Soup has been an essential part of human diet for thousands of years and has been widely adopted in many cultures and civilizations. From ancient Sumerian meat and vegetable stews to medieval European thick and hearty soups, we have explored the different ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance of soup throughout history. We have also discovered the fascinating facts about soup, such as the world’s largest serving of soup, the origin of the word soup, and the invention of canned soup. Soup has played an important role in the diets of many cultures and civilizations, and it continues to be a beloved food today. From a simple bowl of broth to a complex and flavorful stew, soup has the power to nourish the body and the soul. Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, and its history is a testament to its enduring popularity.