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Soup is a broadly defined dish consisting of solid ingredients in a liquid base, typically served warm or hot. It originates from nearly every culinary tradition worldwide, with countless variations ranging from clear broths and hearty stews to creamy bisques and chilled fruit soups. Common ingredients include water or stock, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, legumes, grains, herbs, and spices.
The nutritional profile of soup varies dramatically by type; it can be light and low in calories (like a clear broth) or rich and high in protein, fat, or carbohydrates (like a creamy chowder or bean stew). Soups are often an excellent way to consume vegetables, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber, with a typical serving ranging from 100 to 400 calories depending on the recipe.
Culturally, soup is one of the most universal and ancient forms of prepared food, often serving as a cornerstone of national cuisines and comfort food traditions. Nutritionally, soups can be uniquely satiating and hydrating, and the process of simmering ingredients can help meld flavors and make certain nutrients more bioavailable.