Share
A soup, for the uninitiated, is a light and nutritious liquid concoction that can be made with vegetables and meat. For all non-vegetarians, chicken soup is a healthy and nutritious preparation made with chicken stock, water, and pieces of shredded chicken. However, to flavour this soup, you can always go beyond salt and black pepper.
The addition of spices and herbs elevates the flavour of your humble soup bowl and makes all the difference. Some of the spices that can be added to your soup include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, parsley, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, etc.
Here are how these spices can spruce up the taste of your chicken soup:
1. Garlic Powder
Why add garlic powder instead of cloves? This powder lends a richer flavour to your soup than garlic cloves. The distinct flavour and freshness that you can achieve with garlic powder are much more than garlic cloves.
2. Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is a versatile ingredient in many Indian dishes, known for its ability to enhance the overall flavour profile. When added to chicken soup, it binds together the flavours of all the other ingredients, resulting in a deliciously wholesome taste. Although bay leaf does not impart a distinct flavour, it does offer a subtle, woody taste to the soup.
3. Onion Powder
Used in place of fresh onions, onion powder is a great alternative when you don’t want to go through the hassle of chopping onions. The powder deepens the flavour of your chicken soup and lends it a sweet taste and distinct aroma.
4. Paprika
Paprika, made from dried and ground peppers, can add a rich, smokey flavour to your chicken soup. This spice is not only delicious, but it also gives your soup a spicy kick that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
5. Dried Thyme
Chicken and thyme are a classic combination in many cuisines. It is a versatile herb that pairs well with chicken's mild flavour and can add a fragrant, earthy note to dishes. Thyme is a herb with a very strong flavour, so it is important to exercise caution while adding it to your soup to avoid overdoing it.
6. Dried Rosemary
Haven’t we all heard about the chicken and rosemary combination? Dry rosemary can elevate chicken soup by adding a distinctive flavour and aroma. It has a piney, woody taste that can complement the chicken and other ingredients in the soup. It also has a slightly bitter and astringent taste, which can help balance out the richness of the soup. Additionally, rosemary is known to have several health benefits, such as being a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can make the soup even more nutritious.
