Indian Soup Recipes for Your Next Picnic or BBQ

When it comes to outdoor gatherings like picnics and BBQs, having a delicious soup on the menu can add a unique touch to your meal. Indian cuisine offers a variety of flavorful soups that are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Here are some scrumptious Indian soup recipes that you can try for your next picnic or BBQ.

1. Tomato Shorba

Tomato Shorba is a light and refreshing soup, perfect for outdoor events. Made with fresh tomatoes, spices, and herbs, this soup can be served hot or cold.

Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Water as needed

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds. Sauté until they crackle.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until golden brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.
4. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth, then strain if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.

2. Mulligatawny Soup

This classic Indian soup is a meal in itself, rich with flavors and textures. Mulligatawny is often made with lentils, vegetables, and sometimes chicken or rice.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Coconut milk for creaminess
- Fresh lemon juice and coriander for garnish

Instructions:
1. Rinse lentils and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté onions, carrots, and apple until tender.
3. Add curry powder and cook for a minute.
4. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Add coconut milk and adjust seasoning.
7. Blend if desired, and serve garnished with lemon juice and coriander.

3. Spinach and Coconut Soup

This soup is nutritious and vibrant, combining the goodness of spinach with the richness of coconut. It’s ideal for warm weather and can easily be transported in a thermos.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add cumin powder and stir for a minute.
3. Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in coconut milk and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra coconut cream if desired.

4. Dal Soup

This simple yet comforting Dal Soup is perfect for a picnic, full of protein and flavor. It can be served alongside bread, rice, or just enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas (toor dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
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