Savor every spoonful of warm and comforting goodness made with fresh ingredients, perfect for any day or mood. National Homemade Soup Day is all about celebrating the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create a bowl of pure comfort—a true hug in a bowl!

Quick Facts

• When is it? Every February 4th
• Tagged as: Food & Drink, Soup
• Hashtag: #NationalHomemadeSoupDay
• First Published: December 23rd, 2017

Have we missed something? If you have additional ideas or fun soup stories, feel free to share them!

When the Cold Winds Blow, Soup Steals the Show

When the cold winter winds are blowing and snow is rapidly falling, nothing takes the chill away like a bowl of homemade soup! Despite the common perception that a delicious, simmering pot of soup requires advanced culinary skills and a lot of extra time, the truth is quite the opposite. Homemade soup can be a straightforward, beginner-friendly way to create a meal that warms both the heart and the body.

Even if making soup has always seemed like an intimidating task, know that there are countless easy recipes available online that simplify the process. Plus, soup is an excellent way to feed a large group of people with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

A Brief History of Soup and the Day That Celebrates It

Soup has been a staple of nourishment for nearly 9,000 years. It’s no wonder that a day devoted to homemade soup exists—after all, few foods have such a universal appeal. National Homemade Soup Day lands right in the heart of winter for many, providing the perfect excuse to experiment in the kitchen and create a bowl of warmth and nourishment.

For those in warmer climates where winter isn’t as harsh, this day is just as delightful. Cold soups like gazpacho or cucumber soup offer a refreshing twist, proving that the joy of soup transcends seasons and geographical boundaries.

How to Celebrate National Homemade Soup Day

National Homemade Soup Day is the perfect opportunity to move beyond the mundane canned variety and celebrate the art of soup-making. Here are some fun and creative ways to make this day extra special:

1. Try a New Recipe

Use this day as a motivation to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Whether it’s a classic chicken soup, a tangy tomato bisque, or an adventurous blend of exotic spices, trying a new recipe can elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones.

2. Invite Friends and Family to Join In

Turn soup-making into a social event! Gather friends and family for a soup tasting session or even a friendly cook-off. You can have everyone bring one ingredient to contribute, much like the classic “Stone Soup” tale. Not only will you enjoy a variety of flavors, but you’ll also create lasting memories over a shared meal.

3. Recreate a Copycat Recipe

Many of your favorite restaurant soups can be recreated at home with a little effort. From Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana to O’Charley’s Loaded Baked Potato Soup, there are plenty of copycat recipes available online. Experiment with these recipes to bring restaurant-quality comfort right into your kitchen.

4. Curl Up with a Chicken Soup for the Soul Book

While your soup simmers, why not dive into a heartwarming story from one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies? These collections, filled with inspiring and comforting tales, are the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of your favorite soup.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious recipe to try? Here’s an easy chicken noodle soup that is both satisfying and perfect for a cozy day.

Ingredients

• 32 oz Chicken Broth
• 4 cups Water
• 3 cups Bite-Size Chicken
• 2 tsp Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ of a 12 oz. Bag Egg-White Noodles
• 2 cups Frozen Vegetables (corn, peas, etc.)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. In a large stockpot, combine the chicken broth, water, chicken, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the frozen vegetables and heat through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, or allow guests to season their own.
5. Serve with a side of dark, crusty bread for a meal that truly celebrates National Homemade Soup Day!

National Homemade Soup Day FAQs

Q: What role did soup play in ancient war tactics?
A: Soup was a crucial sustenance for ancient armies. For example, Roman soldiers often carried portable soup made from dried meat and vegetables, allowing them to travel light while still enjoying a nourishing meal during long campaigns.

Q: Why is soup considered a ‘universal dish’ across cultures?
A: Every culture boasts its own signature soup. Whether it’s Thailand’s zesty Tom Yum or Senegal’s peanut and fish soup, the idea of boiling ingredients to create a flavorful broth unites humanity with its simple, nourishing appeal.

Q: Did soup ever spark a political revolution?
A: Yes, during the French Revolution, soup kitchens emerged as symbols of equality. They provided affordable meals to the poor, emphasizing unity in times of social upheaval—a tradition that has inspired modern food charities worldwide.

Q: What’s the weirdest soup-related superstition?
A: In parts of Scandinavia, it was once believed that spilling soup could invite trolls into your home. Families would counteract this by burning a piece of bread to ‘banish’ the creatures.

Q: Did pirates influence the history of soup?
A: Indeed! Pirates favored ‘pease porridge,’ a thick, long-lasting pea soup that was perfect for their lengthy sea voyages. Legend has it that some even used hot pease porridge as a quirky form of weaponry.

Q: How did ancient civilizations use soup for magic and rituals?
A: In ancient China, soups brewed with specific herbs were used in lunar rituals to summon spirits or promote fertility. Similarly, Mayan cultures incorporated soup-like stews in their sacrificial ceremonies.

Q: What is the ‘soup test’ for detecting fake chefs?
A: In medieval France, a chef’s ability to create a flavorful broth from simple scraps was a mark of true culinary talent. Even today, many chefs believe that a well-made soup is a true test of cooking skill.

Q: Which soup has sparked global debates?
A: Shark fin soup remains controversial. While considered a delicacy in some cultures, debates over animal cruelty and sustainability have led to widespread calls for its ban.

Q: What’s the connection between soup and Frankenstein?
A: Mary Shelley, while writing Frankenstein, reportedly found solace in a bowl of broth infused with laudanum. This comforting meal is said to have calmed her nerves as she crafted her gothic masterpiece.

Q: How does soup help astronauts in space?
A: Soup is an ideal meal for astronauts. Its rehydrated form is easy to consume in zero gravity, and NASA has even developed special soup pouches to ensure astronauts can enjoy a warm, nourishing meal in space.

Conclusion

National Homemade Soup Day is more than just an excuse to enjoy a bowl of soup—it’s a celebration of creativity, tradition, and the simple pleasures of life. Whether you’re trying out a new recipe, hosting a soup tasting party, or simply curling up with a good book while your soup simmers on the stove, this day is a reminder that comfort can be found in every spoonful.

So, this February 4th, take a break from the hustle and bustle and embrace the cozy, culinary joy that is homemade soup. After all, sometimes all you need is a warm bowl of soup to make everything better.

Happy National Homemade Soup Day!