The Tradition of Soup at Christmas
Soup has been a comforting and cherished dish for centuries, especially during the colder months. The tradition of serving soup at Christmas likely began in Europe, where hearty broths and stews were staples of winter meals. Families gathered around the fireplace, sharing warm, nourishing soups made with seasonal ingredients. In many cultures, soup symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and hospitality, making it a perfect addition to Christmas celebrations.
Popular Christmas Soups Around the World
Across the globe, soups have taken on different forms in Christmas traditions. In Mexico, pozole—a hominy-based soup with pork or chicken—is a favorite during holiday feasts. Italy celebrates with stracciatella, a light and flavorful egg drop soup often served before the main course. Scandinavian countries enjoy fish or seafood chowders, while Eastern Europeans prepare borscht, a beet-based soup often accompanied by dumplings. These soups bring unique flavors and cultural touches to Christmas tables everywhere.
Why Soup Is a Perfect Holiday Dish
Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an ideal holiday dish for families. Its ability to feed large groups with minimal effort makes it a go-to for busy Christmas hosts. Many soups can simmer for hours, allowing flavors to develop while giving cooks more time to enjoy the festivities. Additionally, the festive colors and warm aromas of soup make it a comforting centerpiece for any holiday meal.
Christmas Soup Recipe: A Festive and Easy Tradition
One delightful recipe to try this holiday season is Christmas Soup. Its red tomato sauce, green spinach, and white tortellini bring the perfect festive touch to your table. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and sure to please guests of all ages. Below is the recipe for this delicious soup:
Christmas Eve Soup
Now lets get into the creation of Amy’s Christmas Eve Soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 20 oz fresh tortellini
Method:
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet and add it to a slow cooker.
- Combine onions, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and heavy cream in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
- After 3 to 4 hours, stir in fresh spinach and tortellini. Cook for an additional 7 to 8 minutes.
- Ensure the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted before serving.
- Top with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot.
