Name: 19 Traditional American Soup Recipes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Saimin – Comfort Food from Hawaii; Wedding Soup – Best of American Soups; Turtle Soup (Hearty Traditional Soup); She-Crab Soup – Easy Recipe; Shrimp Bisque Recipe; Yaka Mein – Traditional Noodle Soup Recipe From New Orleans; Keto Roasted Pumpkin Soup; Vegan Carrots Ginger Soup; Keto Creamy Broccoli Soup; Black-Eyed Pea Soup; Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup; Cream of Mushroom Soup; Great Northern Bean Soup; Traditional Brunswick Stew With Pork and Chicken; Kansas City Steak Soup; Homemade Tomato Soup; Saimin – Hawaii’s Noodle Soup; Vegan Corn Chowder; Authentic New Orleans Gumbo

These delectable best American soups are sure to delight and satisfy your cravings!

American cuisine often brings to mind images of apple pie, burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, doesn’t it? However, soup should not be overlooked! Chicken tortilla soup, knoephla soup (dumpling soup), taco soup, crab soup, beef soup, cheeseburger soup, strawberry soup, peanut soup, avocado soup… etc.

A universal dish, soup varies from nation to nation, but one commonality remains: it’s meant to be enjoyed with a spoon.

Soups are typically brimming with ingredients like meat, vegetables, pasta, rice, and noodles, all held together by a flavorful broth or thick liquid.

Here are some American soups that you might be familiar with, such as gumbo and New England clam chowder, but there are many more to explore.

From spicy chilis to velvety pumpkin soup, you’ll find an array of scrumptious flavors to keep you warm and content.

19. Saimin – Comfort Food from Hawaii

Saimin, a customary noodle-based soup, is regarded as the quintessential culinary creation of Hawaii. Numerous adaptations of the dish exist, but it typically comprises slender noodles immersed in a transparent broth, accompanied by fish-based patties, green onions, and frequently roasted pork or cured swine meat.

Other ingredients often integrated into the dish are crustaceans, fowl, and ovum. This steaming hot noodle soup is enjoyed at any hour using either a spoon or chopsticks, with the residual broth consumed directly from the bowl. Saimin’s origins can be traced to the melding of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino gastronomic influences in Hawaii.

In contemporary times, this comforting staple is also available as a ready-to-prepare instant package in stores.

18. Wedding Soup – Best of American Soups

The renowned fusion of American and Italian culinary traditions, often referred to as nuptial soup, derives its moniker from the combination of the Italian terms minestra, signifying soup, and maritata, meaning wedded. This name celebrates the delightful and well-matched medley of flavors resulting from the mingling of meats and vegetables in a transparent poultry-based broth.

The preferred proteins for this dish are usually spherical or tubular meat forms, while the leafy components can encompass an array of options such as escarole, Swiss chard, Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, Brassica rapa, Cichorium intybus, Cichorium endivia, Lactuca sativa, or Brassica oleracea acephala. Other adaptations of the timeless nuptial soup may also incorporate diminutive pasta shapes—often the minute acini di pepe (literally, peppercorns) type—or elongated noodles, and occasionally even legumes.

In the United States, the widespread appeal of this soup has led to the production of a ready-to-eat canned version called Chickarina.

17. Turtle Soup (Hearty Traditional Soup)

A classic american soup hailing from Louisiana in the United States, this hearty concoction featuring reptile flesh is so rich that it nearly resembles a thick stew. Customarily prepared with the meat of a particular hard-shelled reptile, a blend of dairy and dark wheat powder, fortified grape beverage, tomato, broth, cubed solidified hen ovum, citrus juice, and an assortment of plant-based flavorings such as leafy greens, a red spice, seeds of a flowering plant, an aromatic herb, and a spice blend.

When ready, the soup is ladled into separate bowls and often accompanied by fortified grape beverage, citrus slices, or a crispy loaf. Historically, the reptiles used for this dish were alligator snapping turtles; however, contemporary sources are farm-raised, as the commercial procurement of this species in the wild has been prohibited in Louisiana since 2004.

16. She-Crab Soup – Easy Recipe

A hybrid creation resembling both a creamy soup and a chunky stew, this distinctive dish incorporates rich dairy or milk, crustacean meat, fortified wine, aquatic or crustacean broth, and eggs from a female crustacean—a vital component contributing to both taste enhancement and hue.

This culinary creation gains its density from either a mixture of flour and fat or mashed cooked rice, and is customarily flavored with mace, bulbous plants, or small onion-like vegetables. A local delicacy in the coastal regions of Virginia’s Tidewater, South Carolina’s Lowcountry, and Georgia, its origin can be traced back to the 18th century when Scottish immigrants introduced a renowned seafood soup known as partan-bree. However, the dish’s contemporary version did not emerge until the 20th century.

15. Shrimp Bisque Recipe

A classic dish with roots in Louisiana’s Cajun culture, this seafood soup features sizable prawns, a blend of aquatic stock, prawn-based stock, dairy, capsicum, scallions, allium, wheat powder, dairy liquid, distilled grape spirits, fiery condiment, and various spices.

In the preparation process, the prawns are gently cooked in the combined stock until the liquid volume decreases. Concurrently, dairy, capsicum, scallions, and allium are heated together, dusted with wheat powder, and amalgamated with distilled grape spirits and dairy liquid to form a dense consistency. The prepared prawns are then introduced to the mixture, heated until warm, and finally plated, often adorned with thinly sliced green alliums or leafy greens.

Accompanying this delectable seafood soup with a side of Gallic loaf is suggested for savoring every last drop.

14. Yaka Mein – Traditional Noodle Soup Recipe From New Orleans

Without any documented instructions and shrouded in enigma, yaka mein remains a treasured hidden gem in the culinary world of New Orleans. This delectable soup features slow-cooked meat (commonly beef), a savory meat-based broth, spaghetti-style noodles, and is adorned with accompaniments like hard-cooked eggs and scallions.

To enhance its taste profile, ingredients like chili powder, Tabasco, sriracha, or Creole spices are frequently incorporated into the broth. Often hailed as a reliable antidote for hangovers, yaka mein has earned the nickname “Old Sober.” Despite its popularity among the local populace, the dish remains relatively obscure beyond the boundaries of New Orleans and its neighboring regions.

13. Keto Roasted Pumpkin Soup

This delightful roasted pumpkin soup is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, low-carb, paleo, and keto-friendly. Simple to prepare and nourishing, it’s an ideal appetizer or main course.

Recently, I whipped up some roasted pumpkin and cherry tomatoes that turned out superbly. It was a side dish for a gathering with family and friends. I intentionally roasted extra pumpkins, knowing I wanted to create a soup for myself and the children.

The recipe is straightforward. Although roasting the pumpkin requires some extra time, the remaining steps take only 10 to 15 minutes. Roasting enhances the soup’s flavor profile and highlights the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. The resulting soup is smooth and silky.

12. Vegan Carrots Ginger Soup

On chilly winter days, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to provide comfort. This is merely one benefit that soup offers.

In addition, soup can serve as a nearly complete meal.

For those watching their weight, soup is an excellent choice: it helps satiate hunger, encourages eating less, and aids in managing weight. Some dietitians suggest having a bowl of soup with a slice of bread (ideally rye) and cheese for dinner.

Soup also plays a crucial role in children’s diets. Each meal should begin with the vegetables, vitamins, and minerals provided by soup. Plus, you can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them in individual portions. In my household, my children always commence a meal with soup.

To avoid soups containing potatoes, consider substituting cauliflower instead.

11. Keto Creamy Broccoli Soup

This luscious broccoli soup is keto, paleo, and whole30 compliant, making it a nutritious and tasty option. Surprisingly simple to make, it’s ready in just half an hour.

It’s been a hectic week, filled with numerous tasks and challenges to tackle, leaving me little time for blogging. Amidst the chaos, this delightful and creamy broccoli soup emerged. It’s a keto-friendly, low-carb, paleo, and whole30 recipe.

During winter, soup is one of my go-to meals to whip up. It’s quick, effortless, and comforting – just what I need on those days!

Enjoy this soup either hot or cold; whichever you prefer, it’s incredibly healthy, delicious, and satisfying.

Broccoli soup holds a special place in my heart. I adore broccoli, so it’s no surprise that I’m also fond of broccoli soup. My entire family shares this love for broccoli soup, making it a favorite in our household. It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, large family gatherings, or a cozy dinner with plenty of leftovers!

10. Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Despite being vegan, this soup is incredibly flavorful and has an amazing smoky quality. You might even believe it’s packed with smoked ham after taking a single bite!

I had difficulty locating canned black-eyed peas, so I opted for the dried version. Simply rinse them and let them soak in cold water overnight.

Alternatively, for a quicker method, you can boil the peas and then let them sit covered for approximately an hour.

9. Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is perfect for those chilly, damp, gloomy days when you’re seeking a speedy mood booster.

By utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken, you can have a delicious pot ready in less than 30 minutes.

To save even more time, consider using frozen vegetables.

Don’t have any rotisserie chicken on hand? Fear not! Simply add a few chicken breasts into the pot and allow them to cook directly in the broth. Make this soup and enjoy with this chicken soup!

8. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Upon realizing the simplicity of this recipe, you’ll never resort to store-bought canned cream of mushroom soup again!

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can keep it straightforward with fresh brown mushrooms (a more affordable option) or experiment with a variety of mushrooms.

Maitake mushrooms pack a punch of flavor, so just a small amount will suffice.

Another fantastic choice is to purchase a bag of assorted dried mushrooms, providing a wealth of diverse flavors and textures.

7. Great Northern Bean Soup

Great Northern beans resemble cannellini or navy beans and are a variety of white bean.

Believed to be named after North Dakota, these beans can easily be used as a substitute in many bean-based dishes.

With their mild flavor, they provide a pleasant, gentle nutty note to the soup.

This vegetable-packed soup is vegan-friendly and filling, even in the absence of meat. However, if desired, you can incorporate meat into the recipe.

6. Traditional Brunswick Stew With Pork and Chicken

Online research shows that both Brunswick, Georgia, and Brunswick County, Virginia, passionately assert themselves as the birthplace of this delicious soup.

While I cannot confirm which is correct, it is evident that the soup has deep Southern origins.

The soup is reminiscent of chili, featuring corn, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce, but replaces ground meat and beans with shredded pork and chicken.

Incorporating sweet potatoes into the recipe adds a touch of color and sweetness, complementing the BBQ sauce.

5. Kansas City Steak Soup

Popularized by the once-operational Plaza 3 restaurant in Kansas City, this dense and robust dish resembles a stew more than a soup.

Incorporating the essential trio of soups – carrot, onion, and celery – this recipe also calls for an entire pack of frozen vegetables to enhance its color and texture.

To achieve tender meat, remember to lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer for several hours.

4. Homemade Tomato Soup

The secret to an exceptional tomato soup lies in roasting the vegetables prior to incorporating them into the soup.

Opt for a mix of tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet along with onions and garlic. Roast them until they become blistered, succulent, and brimming with taste.

Considering tomatoes can exhibit a sharp and tangy character, adding cream towards the end helps to soften the flavor.

Roasting red peppers and carrots can also contribute to a more balanced and well-rounded dish.

3. Saimin – Hawaii’s Noodle Soup

Comparable to ramen, this soup features a chicken broth foundation and is abundant with noodles.

The eye-catching pink spiral on top is certainly hard to miss.

It’s the kamaboko, a Japanese fish cake crafted from refined seafood, which can typically be found at a nearby Asian grocery store.

This recipe also incorporates Spam, a highly popular ingredient in Hawaii.

However, if Spam isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with shredded pork or chicken.

2. Vegan Corn Chowder

I’m a huge fan of corn chowder and typically prepare it with plenty of heavy cream.

However, I’ve been trying to incorporate more vegan dishes into my meals, so I decided to give this one a go.

The key difference in this recipe is the milk substitute.

It suggests using light coconut milk, which made me a bit hesitant for two reasons.

First, I didn’t want my corn soup to have a coconut taste (it didn’t!).

Second, I was unsure if it would achieve the desired thickness (it certainly did!).

Thanks to the corn, potatoes, and various herbs and spices, the coconut flavor is undetectable.

Blending a portion of the soup before serving (I blended 1/3) results in a delightfully thick texture.

Delicious vegan corn and potato soup!

1. Authentic New Orleans Gumbo

During my initial week in New Orleans, I indulged in the local cuisine, savoring the city’s flavors.

Gumbo was a daily staple, and its deliciousness never wore off.

The foundation of gumbo is a dark roux, which may resemble a mystical concoction, but it’s merely flour and oil cooked until rich and flavorful.

Certainly, gumbo can be prepared with just chicken, exclusively seafood, or even as a vegetarian option.

However, for a truly authentic experience, it should contain vegetables, chicken, sausage, and shrimp!

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19 Traditional American Soup Recipes