Top five soups

Winter is a season that invites warmth and comfort, and one of the most delightful ways to embrace it is through a steaming bowl of soup. Here in the Uae, where winters are mild but still evoke a desire for cozy indulgence, you might appreciate the diverse world of soups. From nourishing broths that provide a soothing foundation to roasted vegetable soups bursting with earthy flavors, and the aromatic allure of spiced and loaded soups, each type brings a unique culinary experience. During these cooler months, I try to savor the chance to explore the diverse realm of soups.

Roasted vegetable soups are a family favorite; the older members occasionally indulge in a bowl of hot spicy ramen/noodles soup. My kiddo is also warming up to mildly spiced noodle soup with dumplings, eggs, and all the amazing toppings. I add a lot of fresh ginger and crushed black peppercorns for extra zing and comfort.

Here is a collection of basic soup recipes that might inspire your imagination.

Easy curried pumpkin soup recipe

Ingredients

Butter or olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion 1(medium) chopped
Garlic 2-3 cloves, minced
Pumpkin ½ of a medium-sized peeled, seeded, and diced (about 4 cups)
Vegetable or chicken broth 2 cups
Cinnamon ½ tsp
curry powder 1/2 tsp
Ginger ½ tsp (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Heavy cream (optional)
Pumpkin seeds, croutons, or fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Method

In a large soup pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, ginger, and minced garlic.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Add the diced pumpkin to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pumpkin pieces are coated with the onion and garlic mixture. sprinkle the curry powder and continue frying for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and can be easily mashed with a fork.
Once the pumpkin is soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Season the soup with ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cream to meld with the flavors.
Serve the pumpkin soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream, pumpkin seeds, croutons, or fresh herbs if desired.