Every winter, a grey haze settles over South Asian cities, and many people wake up with a scratchy, sore throat. In Dhaka, residents often report eye irritation, breathing trouble and throat infections, and hospitals see a seasonal rise in respiratory cases. The Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies has found that pollution is highest between November and February. Kolkata’s winter smog has also pushed air quality into the “poor” and “very poor” categories in many areas.
A bowl of warm soup cannot clean the air or cure an infection. What it can do is keep you hydrated, soothe an irritated throat and give your body easy-to-digest protein and nutrients when you need them. Here are seven soups worth making this season.
1. Classic Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is the old favourite for a reason. The warm broth soothes the throat, and the chicken adds protein. Simmer it with ginger, garlic, black pepper and a pinch of turmeric. Keep the salt low and skim off excess fat.
2. Mutton Paya Soup
Slow-cooked trotters make a rich, gelatin-heavy broth that many families swear by in winter. It is filling and warming, and the protein can help during recovery. It is also heavy, so take smaller portions and skim the fat. People with high cholesterol, heart or kidney problems should check with a doctor first.
3. Coriander Lemon Soup
This is a light, tangy option when you do not want anything heavy. Fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon give flavour and a little vitamin C. Add the lemon juice after turning off the heat so it keeps its freshness.
4. Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms give a soft, savoury soup that is easy on the throat. Blend them smooth with garlic and a small amount of milk or cream. A thinner, less creamy version is easier to digest on days when you feel unwell.
5. Fish Soup
A clear fish soup with ginger, black pepper and a little green chilli is gentle and nourishing. Use fresh fish, remove every bone carefully, and keep the spices mild. Fish is a good source of lean protein.
6. Bangla-Style Chicken Stew
This is the soup for dinner when you want something more filling. Cook chicken with potatoes, carrots, whole spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, and a little ginger paste. Serve it hot with a slice of toast or a small portion of rice.
7. Thai Clear Soup
A clear Thai-style soup with lemongrass, lime leaf and mushrooms smells wonderful and clears the nose. Keep the chilli low, because strong spice can irritate a sore throat. Add lime juice at the end.
Other Soups Worth Trying
Sweet corn soup, prawn soup and shredded beef soup are good too. If you choose prawns, avoid them if anyone at the table has a shellfish allergy.
Smart Tips for Smog Season
- Sip soup warm, not scalding hot, so you do not burn an already sore throat
- Drink plenty of water and warm fluids through the day
- Keep salt and oil moderate, especially for older family members
- Wear a well-fitted mask outdoors on high pollution days
- Keep windows closed when the Air Quality Index is high, and use a clean indoor space
When to See a Doctor
Soup is comfort food, not medicine. See a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a few days, or if you have high fever, trouble breathing, chest pain or a cough that will not go away. Children, older adults and people with asthma should get checked early.
