The Evergreen Tomato Shorba
A staple in many Indian households, tomato shorba is the quintessential comfort soup. It’s a lighter, more aromatic version of the creamy tomato soups you might be used to, with a tangy flavour profile that comes from ripe tomatoes. Often spiced with cumin,
ginger, and black pepper, this soup is a fantastic starter or a light meal in itself. The warmth from the spices provides a gentle heat that is incredibly soothing on a cool, rainy day. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with Vitamin C, making it a great choice to help boost immunity during the season.
Indo-Chinese Favourite: Manchow Soup
No monsoon soup list is complete without the wildly popular Manchow soup. This Indo-Chinese creation is a spicy and sour broth filled with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beans. What sets it apart is the delicious garnish of crispy fried noodles, which adds a delightful crunch to every spoonful. The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deeply savoury and umami-rich flavour that is both invigorating and comforting. It’s the perfect soup to enjoy when you're craving something with a bit of a kick.
Simple and Sweet: Classic Sweet Corn Soup
Sweet corn soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Its gentle sweetness and creamy texture make it a favourite across all age groups. This soup strikes a perfect balance between being light and satisfyingly rich. Often made with a mix of cream style corn and whole kernels, it offers a lovely texture. It's easy on the stomach and provides a comforting warmth that feels just right on a damp evening. A sprinkle of black pepper on top is all you need to elevate this simple, yet elegant, bowl of happiness.
Zesty and Refreshing: Lemon Coriander Soup
If you're looking for a soup that's both light and packed with flavour, Lemon Coriander soup is an excellent choice. This clear soup is bursting with the zesty freshness of lemon and the distinct, bright aroma of fresh coriander. It’s incredibly refreshing and a great palate cleanser. Rich in Vitamin C, it's another fantastic immunity-booster for the monsoon season. The soup is light on the stomach and can be made with or without vegetables, and some even add chicken for a more substantial meal. Its revitalising taste is perfect for lifting your spirits on a gloomy day.
Hearty and Historic: Mulligatawny Soup
For those who want a soup that eats like a meal, Mulligatawny is the answer. This Anglo-Indian creation has a rich history, with its name originating from the Tamil words for 'pepper-water'. Today’s versions are far heartier, often featuring lentils, vegetables, chicken or lamb, and a fragrant blend of curry spices. Coconut milk is frequently added to give it a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. This substantial soup is flavourful, nourishing, and guaranteed to keep you warm and satisfied as you listen to the rain outside.
South Indian Classic: Rasam
While often served with rice, Rasam stands beautifully on its own as a light, peppery, and tangy soup. A staple in South Indian cuisine, this thin broth is typically made with a tamarind juice base, tomatoes, and a special blend of spices including black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Its spicy and aromatic qualities make it a popular home remedy for colds and flu, which are common during the monsoon. A bowl of hot Rasam feels incredibly cleansing and warming, making it a perfect, healthful choice for a rainy evening.
