Here's a question from reader Bruce. He asks:
I'm inviting some folks over for dinner on Sunday and was thinking about making tortilla soup. The forecast is a high in the mid-70s, probably upper 60s-70 by dinner time. Do you think that's cool enough weather for warm soup?
Read on for our thoughts, a survey, and the recipe for that delicious tortilla soup above.
Is it ever too hot for soup? In Jamaica and other very hot parts of the world they insist that eating hot soup actually cools you off. And yet a really hot day just doesn't make equally hot soup look very appealing.
Bruce, our instinct is that warm weather, especially on a fall day when a breeze is blowing, is just fine for soup. But what do our readers think? Tell us here!
And if you're inspired now to make tortilla soup of your own, try the recipe that goes along with this photograph.
• Get the recipe: Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup at Greencolander's Flickr stream.
Related: Recipe: Fridge Clearing Avocado Soup
(Image: Flickr member Greencolander licensed for use under Creative Commons)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I think it depends completely on the type of soup. I find a heavy or creamy soup too rich when it's warm/hot out, but a steaming bowl of pho is no problem.
view Michelle of Montreal's profile
I eat it all summer but then the AC at work makes its feel like the arctic circle.
view sally599's profile
Anytime is a good time for soup. Hooray for soup!
view lizzapearl's profile
I don't understand. What difference does it make, especially if you are eating indoors? Here in Honduras, we eat tortilla soup year-round! And this area isn't exactly known for its cool, fall weather.
view Akino luna's profile
Obviously, if one feels it's too hot for hot soup, make a cold soup. And cold soups, even if rich (think vichyssoise), are quite nice in hot weather. Here's a very simply cold soup from Mark Bittman:
Avocado Soup
Serves 4
Place in the container of an electric blender a large avocado, peeled, seeded and cubed, 1½ cups chicken broth strained to remove fat globules, 1 clove garlic crushed, and a generous dash of Tabasco sauce. Cover and blend on high speed until ingredients are thoroughly pureed. Remove cover and add 1½ cups cream. Cover and blend for a few additional seconds. If mixture is too thick, thin with a little cream or broth. Correct seasonings, adding more Tabasco and a pinch of salt to taste. Serve well chilled. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
view Leisureguy's profile
I agree with Michelle - creamy or heavy soup is best left for cold weather. Brothy soups are much better suited to summer eating.
I have never cared for cold soup.
view Aimi's profile
mmm, i was gonna say one of my favorite summer eats is a hot bowl of pho and some ice water. You're sweating because of the heat and the soup and the ice water is so tasty.
view chusmabilly's profile
spicy brothy soups are especially good in warm weather. the spice makes you sweat which is the bodies natural way to cool you down! A spicy broth with chicken, crisp tortilla trips and cool chunks of avocado sounds amazing for fall!
(agreed though that warm weather is not the best time for a beef stew or minestrone! Of course chili is good all the time - hence chili dogs in the middle of summer!)
view roseslaw's profile
I agree with most of the other posters--a broth-based soup sounds perfect. Maybe balance it out with a cold dessert or salad on the side?
view lisadinnerparty's profile
I still make hot japanese-style noodle soups once a week, even in DC summers. There's something re-hydrating about this type of meal.
view david's profile