What to Eat With Soup for Dinner?
Soup makes an excellent and versatile dinner, but pairing it effectively elevates the meal from a simple dish to a complete and satisfying experience. The best accompaniments depend on the soup itself, but generally involve complementary textures and flavors, such as crusty bread, a fresh salad, a grilled cheese sandwich, or even a light protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
The Comfort and Versatility of Soup
Soup is arguably one of the most comforting and adaptable dishes in culinary history. From a simple broth to a hearty stew, its appeal lies in its ability to be easily customized to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients. Soup can be a light appetizer, a filling lunch, or, when paired correctly, a delightful dinner. Its versatility makes it a staple in many cultures around the world.
Why Soup Alone Might Not Be Enough
While some soups, like chunky vegetable soups or those packed with meat and noodles, can be quite substantial, many others may leave you feeling unsatisfied. The lack of complementary textures and essential nutrients can contribute to this. Therefore, understanding what to eat alongside soup is crucial for creating a balanced and fulfilling dinner.
Perfect Pairings: Balancing Flavors and Textures
Choosing the right accompaniment for your soup hinges on understanding the soup’s profile. Consider the following pairings:
Creamy Soups (Tomato, Butternut Squash, Potato):
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and mopping up the creamy goodness.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Adds a contrasting cheesy, toasted element.
- Side Salad with a Tangy Vinaigrette: Cuts through the richness of the soup.
Broth-Based Soups (Chicken Noodle, Miso, French Onion):
- Hearty Bread Rolls: Provide substance without overwhelming the light broth.
- Crackers or Croutons: Add a satisfying crunch.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers: Introduces a lean protein source.
Hearty Soups (Chili, Minestrone, Beef Stew):
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing that complements the heartiness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool, tangy element.
- Simple Green Salad: Offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
Nutrient Boosters: Adding Extra Goodness
Beyond flavor and texture, consider the nutritional value of your soup and how you can supplement it with your sides.
- Protein: If your soup is light on protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado slices, nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil can boost the fat content and add richness.
- Fiber: Include whole-grain bread, a salad with lots of vegetables, or even add a handful of cooked quinoa to your soup.
Simple Salad Sensations
A salad is an excellent companion for soup, offering a refreshing contrast and adding valuable nutrients. Here are a few salad ideas:
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze.
- Cucumber and Dill Salad: A cool and refreshing option.
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice, especially with a creamy soup.
The Ultimate Comfort: Bread and Soup
The combination of bread and soup is a timeless classic. The right type of bread can significantly enhance the overall dining experience.
- Crusty Sourdough: Excellent for dipping into creamy or tomato-based soups.
- Ciabatta: Perfect for making mini sandwiches or enjoying with olive oil and herbs.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful and aromatic element.
- Whole-Wheat Bread: A healthier option that provides fiber and substance.
Don’t Forget Dessert!
While not strictly necessary, a light dessert can be a delightful way to end your soup dinner. Consider fresh fruit, yogurt parfait, or a small piece of dark chocolate.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Overloading on Carbs: Be mindful of carb overload if your soup already contains a lot of noodles or potatoes. Opt for lower-carb sides like a salad or protein.
- Clashing Flavors: Avoid pairings that clash with the soup’s flavor profile. For example, a sweet salad might not pair well with a spicy soup.
- Ignoring Dietary Restrictions: Ensure your sides align with any dietary restrictions you or your guests may have.
Making it a Meal: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Choose Your Soup: Select the soup you want to make or buy, considering its flavor profile and nutritional content.
- Identify the Missing Elements: Determine what the soup lacks – protein, fiber, healthy fats, or contrasting textures.
- Select Your Sides: Choose sides that complement the soup and address the missing elements.
- Prepare Your Sides: Prepare your sides while the soup is simmering or heating up.
- Enjoy! Serve the soup with your selected sides and enjoy a complete and satisfying meal.
Soup Meal Ideas: Examples
| Soup | Side Dish | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Tomato Soup | Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Classic comfort food pairing. |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Side Salad | Adds freshness and nutrients. |
| Minestrone Soup | Crusty Bread | Perfect for dipping. |
| Butternut Squash Soup | Apple & Walnut Salad | Sweet and savory contrast. |
| Spicy Black Bean Soup | Cornbread with Sour Cream | Cools the spice and adds flavor. |
| French Onion Soup | Green Salad | Light counterpoint to rich soup. |
| Lentil Soup | Hard-boiled Egg, Quinoa | Adds protein & substance |
| Vegetarian Chili | Tortilla Chips, Guacamole | Adds crunch, texture, and flavor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only have crackers to eat with my soup?
Crackers can be a perfectly acceptable accompaniment to soup, especially if you’re short on time. Opt for whole-grain or saltine crackers, and consider topping them with a slice of cheese or a spread of hummus for added flavor and nutrients. Avoid overly salty crackers, as they can overpower the soup’s flavor.
Can I eat pasta with soup?
While some soups, like Italian wedding soup, already contain pasta, eating a side of pasta with another soup might be too carb-heavy. If you choose to do so, opt for a smaller portion of pasta salad with a light vinaigrette, and make sure your soup doesn’t already have a significant amount of noodles or rice.
What’s the best bread for dipping in soup?
Crusty breads with a slightly chewy interior are ideal for dipping in soup. Sourdough, baguette, and ciabatta are excellent choices. The crust provides a good grip, while the soft interior absorbs the soup nicely. Avoid overly soft breads that will fall apart when dipped.
Is it healthy to eat soup and a sandwich for dinner?
It can be healthy, but it depends on the soup and sandwich choices. Opt for a soup that’s packed with vegetables and lean protein and a sandwich made with whole-grain bread, lean meats, and plenty of vegetables. Avoid processed meats, excessive cheese, and creamy sauces to keep the meal nutritious.
What if I am on a low-carb diet?
For a low-carb option, pair your soup with a large salad loaded with non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cucumbers, and bell peppers, topped with a protein source like grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. Alternatively, you could add chopped avocado or nuts to your soup for healthy fats.
What’s a good vegan option to eat with soup?
A hearty vegan salad with quinoa or lentils, a piece of whole-grain toast with avocado, or a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are all excellent vegan pairings for soup. You can also add nuts and seeds to your soup for extra flavor and protein.
Can I eat leftovers with soup?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be a fantastic way to create a balanced and satisfying soup dinner. Consider pairing your soup with leftover roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or even a small portion of rice or quinoa. Just make sure the flavors complement each other.
What’s a quick and easy side for soup?
A simple green salad with a pre-made vinaigrette or a side of baby carrots and hummus are quick and easy options. Sliced bell peppers are also a convenient and healthy choice.
How can I make soup a more complete meal without adding a side?
To make soup a more complete meal on its own, add more protein, fiber, and healthy fats directly to the soup. This could include beans, lentils, chickpeas, cooked chicken or tofu, avocado, or a handful of nuts or seeds.
What is a good side to serve with a spicy soup, like tortilla soup?
Cool and refreshing sides work best with spicy soups. Consider a cucumber and avocado salad, a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, or a side of corn salsa. These help to balance the heat and provide a pleasant contrast.
Is it okay to eat soup with a quesadilla?
Yes, a quesadilla can be a good pairing, especially with a southwestern or Mexican-inspired soup like tortilla soup or black bean soup. Opt for a quesadilla filled with lean protein, vegetables, and a small amount of cheese to keep it relatively healthy.
How can I make a soup and side pairing more exciting?
Get creative with flavors and textures! Try adding toasted seeds or nuts to your soup, experimenting with different vinaigrettes for your salad, or making your own flavored croutons. You can also try different types of bread, such as focaccia or naan, to add variety.