12 Soup Recipes Featuring Unique Spices and Herbs

You're about to discover 12 unique soup recipes that blend distinctive spices and herbs from around the world. You'll find Spicy Black Bean Soup with cumin and smoked paprika, and Moroccan Chicken Tagine with coriander. These global flavors will intrigue you, but what makes them truly special is yet to be revealed, and it's what sets them apart from ordinary soups.

1. Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

2. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a flavorful stew made with aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup chopped prunes

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until they're softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned on all sides.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Add the chicken broth, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, apricots, and prunes.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
8. Serve the tagine hot, garnished with additional parsley and cilantro if desired.

3. Thai Coconut Soup

Creamy Thai Coconut Soup combines coconut milk and spices for a rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in Thai red curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
5. Add sliced mushrooms and diced bell peppers, and cook until vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in chopped cilantro and fish sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

4. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash is a flavorful and comforting soup.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Roast the squash in the oven for 45 minutes, or until tender.
5. Scoop the flesh out of the squash and puree it in a blender or food processor.
6. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
7. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Stir in the pureed squash and heavy cream.
11. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
12. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

5. Indian Lentil Curry

Hearty Indian Lentil Curry with aromatic spices and herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red or brown lentils
• 2 medium onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until they're translucent.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and soaked lentils to the pan.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the Indian Lentil Curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

6. Ethiopian Red Soup

Ethiopian Red Soup is a spicy and flavorful dish made with unique spices and herbs.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
5. Add the lentils and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.

7. Lebanese Spinach Soup

Lebanese Spinach Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and a dollop of cream if desired.

8. Persian Herb Stew

Persian Herb Stew is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring a blend of herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and cilantro, and cook until the herbs are wilted.
5. Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
8. Season the stew with salt to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh mint.

9. Saffron Rice Soup

Saffron Rice Soup is a flavorful and aromatic dish from Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/2 cup saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add the chicken broth, saffron threads, and cumin.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional saffron threads if desired.

10. African Peanut Soup

African Peanut Soup is a rich and creamy stew made with peanuts and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat the peanut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the chicken broth, peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and diced tomatoes.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

11. Turkish Red Lentil

Hearty Turkish Red Lentil soup made with aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
6. Drain the lentils and add them to the pot along with the vegetable broth.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

12. Korean Ginseng Soup

Korean Ginseng Soup is a traditional, nourishing dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ginseng
• 1 pound beef, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine ginseng, beef, garlic, and onion in a large pot.
2. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Conclusion

You're probably feeling chilled to the bone, but these 12 spicy soup recipes will ironically set your taste buds on fire. From smoky paprika to zesty ginger, the blend of unique spices and herbs will leave you craving more, and somehow, that's a good thing - who needs boring meals, anyway?