From the pitter-patter of raindrops to the earthy smell that tugs at our petrichor heart, monsoon is indeed special to many. As the summer heat starts to grow faint and the cool breezy winds hark on damp days, we start prepping for the rainy season and the many spells it brings with it. Think rain showers, while you’re sitting near the windowsill with a bowl of piping hot deliciousness: Perfect! Isn’t it? Monsoon does offer a billion reasons to dig into a hot, filling, not to mention spicy food. It is that time of the year when the cold and cosiness of rain makes us want to stay in bed all day. Say you are deep into watching your favourite movie, listening to your Spotify playlist, or huddling up with a romantic book (cue in Nicholas Sparks) what better way to accompany the idyllic setting than with some mouth-watering comfort dishes?
There is something truly enchanting about the rainy weather. It always sparks a certain craving for wholesome food, moody setting and a day in pajamas. Is it just the raindrops or our taste buds wanting to find solace in cozy moments that we spent indoors? Finding warmth in the monsoon is also nostalgic: like getting a hug from a loved one. Food on rainy days are vital in providing health benefits. Spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, and more help boost immunity, protecting against seasonal sickness.
With a sense of well-being, why not take your culinary experience a notch higher? We have curated below some comforting soups and noodles recipes from around the world that we hope will brighten you up this monsoon.
Ramen
All hail the OG comfort food – Ramen finds its roots in Japan. However, its origin is pretty complicated considering Japan’s historical and cultural ties with neighbour China. This humble dish is believed to be first served in Japan’s Yokohama Chinatown by Chinese immigrants. Noodles served in a flavourful broth with a host of toppings, Ramen is now a popular Japanese dish that has found its footing on the global map. A staple of the East Asian country’s epicurean culture, Ramen’s main flavours come from its broth. Some big hitters include Tonkotsu ramen, Miso ramen, Shoyu ramen, Shio ramen, and Tsukemen. To tie things up, do remember to include the jammy egg – a signature touch to your otherwise ‘incomplete’ ramen, unless you’re on the meatless train.
Pho
Pho is a soup noodle dish from Vietnam. Made from rice noodles and broth consisting of fresh herbs and meat, Pho originated as a popular street food, and soon gained widespread recognition for its irresistible taste. Symbolizing Vietnamese culture, community, and tradition, Pho has found its way into upscale restaurants worldwide, even with its relatively simple recipe. Two widely enjoyed types of Vietnamese pho are pho bo (beef pho) and pho ga (chicken pho).
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle dish hailing from Southeast Asia’s Peranakan culture. An interesting amalgamation of Chinese, Malaysian, and Indonesian influences, Laksa consists of different types of noodles, thick rice being the most common. With toppings like chicken, prawns, or fish, Laksa’s heart is a rich and full-blown spicy coconut curry or a well-seasoned broth that is then doused with noodles, and a fanfare of toppings and condiments on the side.
French Onion Soup
One of the pioneering recipes of global cuisine, the Onion Soup is a classic French dish popular for its savory-sweet flavor. Made with caramelized onions simmered in a beef broth and topped with melted cheese, this soup is best enjoyed with a slice of bread (our best bet is the baguette) Easy on the wallet, it is a comforting dish with supreme heartwarming qualities. Although its base ingredient, onion, doesn’t have a grand reputation, the French Onion Soup is a monsoon/winter favorite among people around the world and while French cuisine has a reputation for being ‘snobbish’, this one certainly is far from it.
Tom Yum
Generally known as Tom Yum Goong, Tom Yum is a famous Thai soup. Although its exact history is unknown to many, it is believed that Tom Yum originated in Central Thailand. With a relatively simple ingredient list, Tom Yum offers a burst of fantastic flavours within its limited reach. Spicy and sour, the soup gets its richness from lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (Thai ginger), and chili peppers. Shrimp paste is usually used as a base for the broth but in case of unavailability, feel free to sub it using chicken or mutton broth.
Minestrone
Minestrone’s rich history dates back hundreds of years. Hailing from Italy, this soup has been a staple in the Italian diet since the 2nd century B.C. The humble Minestrone is made with a mix of vegetables with the addition of pasta or rice. You can either make it vegetarian or choose to use a meat-based broth, this soup remains hearty and fresh, delicious and nutritious, no matter what the ingredients.
Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo Ball Soup is a well-known traditional Jewish dish. This dish is often served during Passover or Rosh Hashanah, but it is also popularly served during Hanukkah and Yom Kippur. It is made using savoury chicken and vegetable broth with light and fluffy matzo balls (made using matzah meal, eggs, schmaltz). The matzo balls represent the unleavened bread that Jews ate while fleeing Egypt – a nod to to commemorate the Hebrews exodus and freedom from slavery, led by Moses. Other than its rich cultural backdrop, the soup is also popular due to its simple but wholesome palate. Give us a reason to dig into a hearty soup and we will!
Remember to bookmark these wholesome recipes and let your tastebuds experience the warmth of a cosy soup or noodles or both this rainy season.
Images: Pinterest
