Posted by 
When we think of Christmas food, it’s easy to picture glazed hams, roasted turkeys, and endless trays of cookies. But let’s not forget the unsung hero of holiday meal soup. There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day. It’s not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, a way to bring people together, and a connection to traditions that span generations. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Christmas soups are some of the most comforting and meaningful dishes you can enjoy during the holidays. Let me take you on a journey through a few of my favorite Christmas soup traditions from around the world.
Nordic Joulukinkku Soup: Leftovers Made Luxurious
In Finland, Christmas revolves around beautifully baked ham. But the real magic happens the day after Christmas, when the leftover ham gets transformed into a hearty soup. Think diced ham, root vegetables, peas, and barely simmer in a rich stock infused with allspice berries, a spice that screams Nordic Christmas. It’s simple, yes, but deeply satisfying.
I first tried this soup during a visit to Helsinki. My friend’s family served it on Boxing Day, and I was struck by how it marked a shift in the holiday vibe. The formalities of Christmas Day were over, and now it was time to relax, enjoy leftovers, and just be together. In a place where winter temperatures can drop to bone-chilling lows, this soup is practically a survival tool and a delicious one at that.
Polish Borscht: A Festive Red Tradition
Polish Christmas Eve dinner always starts with a bowl of vibrant red borscht. This isn’t your average beet soup, it’s a clear, garnet-colored broth that’s both elegant and deeply flavorful. Often served with tiny mushroom dumplings called which means little ears, it’s a dish that’s as hearty as it is beautiful.
What’s fascinating about Polish borscht is how it manages to be so rich and satisfying without any meat. My friend Magda, who’s Polish, taught me that the secret lies in roasting the beets instead of boiling them. This caramelizes the sugars and adds a depth of flavor that’s just incredible. She also swears by adding a splash of the liquid from soaking dried mushrooms, which gives the soup an umami kick. It’s these little touches, passed down through generations, that make this soup so special.
Portuguese Caldo Verde: Simple and Soulful
In northern Portugal, Christmas Eve often means a bowl of verde. At its core, it’s a humble soup made with potatoes, kale, olive oil, and thin slices of chouriço sausage. It might sound simple, but sometimes simplicity is exactly what you need during the holidays.
I experienced this tradition in Porto one Christmas. After Midnight Mass, families gather to share this soup, which is as much about the experience as it is about the food. I remember sitting in a cozy kitchen, watching as everyone took turns thinly slicing the kale. It was a moment of togetherness, of slowing down and appreciating the little things. And let’s not forget the soup itself is creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of festive with its bright green kale against the pale potato base.
Why Soup Belongs on Your Christmas Table
What I love most about these Christmas soup traditions is how they bring people together. Whether it’s the practicality of using leftovers, the simplicity of humble ingredients, or the joy of a shared experience, soup has a way of creating moments of connection. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
So this year, why not add a special soup to your Christmas menu? Whether you try one of these international classics or put your own spin on a family recipe, I promise it’ll bring a little extra warmth to your celebrations. After all, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to remind us of the comfort, love, and joy that make this season so magical.
References
Thompson, E. (2023). “Cultural Significance of Holiday Food Traditions.” *Journal of Cultural Gastronomy*, 28(4), 215-230.
United States Department of Agriculture. (2024). “Nutritional Benefits of Traditional Winter Soups.” *USDA Seasonal Nutrition Guidelines*
Rodriguez, M. (2022). “Historical Development of Celebration Soups Across Global Cultures.” *International Food Anthropology Review*, 19(3), 178-195.