Why add seasonings to soup?
Adding seasonings to soup serves multiple purposes. First, it enhances and deepens the flavor. Soup broth on its own can taste flat or one-dimensional. Seasonings add layers of flavor that make the soup taste more robust and interesting. Second, seasonings can complement and bring out the flavors of the main ingredients in the soup. For example, adding thyme to a chicken soup enhances the flavor of the chicken. Finally, seasonings allow you to customize the flavor profile of the soup to suit your tastes. You can make the same vegetable soup recipe taste very different depending on the seasonings you add.
What are some versatile soup seasonings?
Here are some all-purpose soup seasonings that go well in many types of soups:
- Salt – Enhances existing flavors and allows other seasonings to come through.
- Pepper – Adds mild heat and spice.
- Bay leaves – Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- Thyme – Pairs well with chicken, bean, vegetable, and tomato soups.
- Oregano – Excellent in Mediterranean style soups like minestrone.
- Basil – Brings freshness to tomato and vegetable soups.
- Rosemary – Goes well with bean, chicken, and potato soups.
- Parsley – Brightens up hearty soups and adds freshness.
- Garlic – Provides an aromatic background flavor in most soups.
- Onion – Provides sweetness and another layer of flavor.
These herbs and spices can enhance a wide variety of soup recipes. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
What seasonings go well with specific soup types?
In addition to the versatile seasonings above, here are some pairings that work well for specific soup varieties:
Chicken Soup
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Tarragon
- Ginger
Beef Soup
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Bay leaves
Vegetable Soup
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Marjoram
Tomato Soup
- Oregano
- Basil
- Bay leaves
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Garlic
Potato Soup
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
Seafood Soup
- Old Bay seasoning
- Thyme
- Tarragon
- Dill
- Parsley
- Saffron
Minestrone Soup
- Oregano
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Bay leaves
How much seasoning should I add?
When seasoning soup, it’s best to add a little at a time and adjust to taste. Here are some general guidelines for amounts per 6-8 servings of soup:
- Dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme – 1-2 tsp
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro – 1-3 Tbsp chopped
- Spices like paprika, cumin – 1-2 tsp
- Whole spices like bay leaves – 2-3 leaves
- Ground pepper – 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
- Garlic (minced) – 1-3 cloves
- Ginger (minced) – 1-2 Tbsp
Start on the lower end of the range. You can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
When should I add the seasonings?
The timing for when you add seasonings to soup depends on the type:
- Dried herbs and ground spices – Add near the beginning to allow the flavors to release into the broth as the soup simmers.
- Fresh herbs – Add towards the end (last 5-10 mins) to help preserve the aroma and brightness.
- Whole spices like bay leaves – Add early so the flavor infuses into the soup.
- Salt – Season lightly at beginning, then adjust salt to taste at the end.
- Pepper – Add towards the end of cooking.
What about seasoning blends?
Using pre-made seasoning blends can be an easy way to add lots of flavor without measuring multiple individual spices. Here are some tasty soup blends to try:
- Italian seasoning – Great for minestrone or tomato soups
- Herbes de Provence – Nice in bean or vegetable soups
- Garam masala – For an Indian style soup
- Jerk seasoning – For a Caribbean flair
- Ras el hanout – A complex Moroccan blend
- Za’atar – Brings an Arabic influence
Use about 1-2 tsp of a seasoning blend at the beginning of cooking. Adjust to taste later on if needed.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
Both fresh and dried herbs can be great for seasoning soups. Here’s a comparison:
| Fresh herbs | Dried herbs |
|---|---|
| More nuanced, complex flavor | More concentrated, intense flavor |
| Bright, pronounced aroma | Earthier, muted aroma |
| Add at end to retain freshness | Can be added earlier in cooking |
| More expensive and perishable | Cheap and shelf-stable |
For optimal flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint added towards the end. For convenience, keep a variety of dried herbs on hand to add deeper flavor from the start.
Conclusion
Seasoning soup is an art that balances complex layers of flavors. Start with salt, pepper and aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, and celery. Layer on herbs, spices, and seasoning blends matched to the main ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings gradually. With the right blend of seasonings, you can make any homemade soup pop with flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you get it just right!