Warm up with style: the soup board trend taking winter by storm
Image: Pexels/Nadin Sh
Once upon a time, soup was the ultimate symbol of simplicity - a warm bowl of comfort, often served with nothing more than a slice of buttered toast or a crusty roll.
It was the go-to for sick days, cold evenings and quick homemade meals. But in the era of viral food trends and Instagrammable aesthetics, even this humble dish has undergone a glow-up.
Enter the soup board - a fanatic, winter-perfect creation that's taking over kitchens, cafes and social media feeds alike.
Also known as soup flights, soup boards are essentially curated assortments of multiple soups served in small portions, laid out beautifully on a board or tray and paired with an assortment of dippers, toppings and sides.
Much like the butter board and charcuterie trends that came before them, soup boards are about more than just flavour - they're about experience, indulgence and most of all, presentation.
Why settle for one soup when you can taste three - or even five? That's the philosophy behind soup flights.
Each board typically features a variety of small soup servings: think creamy tomato bisque, rich butternut, classic chicken noodle, spicy lentil or wild mushroom.
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What elevates a soup board from a casual meal to a food moment is the ensemble of accompaniments.
From mini grilled cheese sliders and rosemary focaccia slices to sourdough croutons, herb butters, flavoured oils, crispy chickpeas, charcuterie and even wine or beer pairings - the combinations are endless and cater to both comfort and creativity.
The popularity of soup boards this winter can be credited to a few things. First, there's the obvious: soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. It's warm, nourishing and endlessly adaptable. But soup boards go a step further by making the meal interactive and fun.
They also tap into the visual culture of food - these boards are undeniably photogenic.
A spread of vibrant soups in shades of orange, green, red, and gold, surrounded by rustic breads, garnishes and steaming bowls, is practically begging to be snapped and shared on TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest.
For restaurants and home entertainers alike, soup boards offer a perfect balance of cosy and chic.
Several eateries have already embraced the trend, adding soup flights to their winter menus and pairing them with local breads and curated toppings.
While some soup boards on social media look like they belong in a high-end bistro, the trend is surprisingly accessible.
You don't need a chef's budget or hours of preparation time. Leftovers can easily be repurposed, and supermarket soup can be elevated with thoughtful garnishes and sides.
Add a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of herbs or some crushed nuts on top, and you've got gourmet in minutes.
It's also an ideal setup for entertaining. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a book club, or a cosy family night, a soup board caters to varied tastes and dietary preferences.
Gluten-free? Vegan? No problem - just mix and match your soup selections and toppings accordingly.
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