National Soup Swap Day (3rd Saturday of January)
National Soup Swap Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of January, is a unique holiday that brings people together through the simple yet profound act of sharing homemade soups.
It’s a day to exchange recipes, savor warm bowls of comfort, and build connections.
Let’s explore the intriguing history, fun activities, and tasty recipes that make this weird January holiday special.
When Is It?
National Soup Swap Day falls on the third Saturday of January each year, offering the perfect midwinter opportunity to gather friends and family for a soup-filled celebration.
- January 18, 2025
- January 17, 2026
- January 16, 2027
- January 15, 2028
- January 20, 2029
- January 19, 2030
- January 18, 2031
- January 17, 2032
Who Invented the Holiday?
The holiday originated in 2002 when Knox Gardner, a Seattle resident, hosted a soup swap with friends to brighten the post-holiday season.
Rather than let the cold winter months pass by without something to look forward to, Knox invited friends to prepare their favorite soups, swap containers, and enjoy a sense of community.
The event’s success inspired her to establish it as an annual celebration, spreading the tradition worldwide.
The History of the Holiday
Soup swapping began as a grassroots movement, combining culinary creativity with community building.
The concept quickly gained traction, with gatherings popping up across the U.S. and beyond.
Over time, it has evolved into a heartwarming ritual of sharing and connection.
The holiday has grown with the help of social media, where soup enthusiasts share their favorite recipes and event ideas, inspiring others to host their own soup swaps.
Today, National Soup Swap Day is celebrated in neighborhoods, workplaces, and online communities, bringing together soup lovers of all ages.
Top 7 Facts About the Holiday
- Creative Exchange: Participants often swap recipes along with soup containers.
- Origin Year: Established in 2002 in Seattle.
- Official Recognition: Some communities have officially recognized the day with proclamations.
- Global Reach: Celebrated in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
- Soups of All Types: From hearty stews to light broths, all soups are welcome.
- Charitable Impact: Many events include donations to local shelters.
- Health Benefits: Soup is a nutritious, comforting meal during cold months.
Activities to Celebrate
- Community Outreach: Prepare and donate soup to local shelters or community kitchens.
- Host a Soup Swap Party: Invite friends and family to exchange soups. Have guests bring enough soup to share and provide tasting samples.
- Try New Recipes: Explore international soup styles, such as Italian minestrone, Thai coconut soup, or classic French onion.
- Themed Soup Night: Organize a themed event with soups from different cultures.
- Create a Soup Recipe Book: Compile favorite recipes from your swap and distribute them.
- Soup Tasting Contest: Have guests vote on their favorite soup and award a prize to the winner.
- DIY Soup Kits: Assemble and gift soup ingredients for easy at-home cooking.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Here are some delicious recipes you can use for your Soup Swap celebrations:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – A rich and velvety soup made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for a comforting classic.
- Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A creamy, cheesy delight featuring tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for cold winter nights.
- Moroccan Lentil and Carrot Soup – A hearty, spiced soup packed with lentils, carrots, and warm Moroccan spices like cumin and coriander.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup – A zesty soup with shredded chicken, tomatoes, and spices, topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh avocado.
- Classic French Onion Soup – A savory, caramelized onion soup topped with melted cheese and a toasted baguette slice.
- Shrimp Corn Chowder – A creamy, comforting chowder loaded with tender shrimp, potatoes, and corn.
- Instant Pot Chicken Stew – A thick and satisfying stew with tender chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, and a savory broth.
- Tuscan White Bean Soup – A healthy and hearty Italian-inspired soup with white beans, kale, and aromatic herbs.
- Butternut Squash and Apple Soup – A slightly sweet, smooth soup featuring roasted butternut squash and apples, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Thai Red Curry Potato Soup – A fragrant, spicy soup made with vegetable stock, red Thai curry paste, and potatoes.
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Links to Resources
Check out these helpful items on Amazon to make your soup swap even better:
- Soup Storage Containers – Perfect for portioning and freezing leftover soups.
- Slow Cookers for Easy Soup Making – Ideal for cooking soups with minimal effort.
- Soup Ladles and Serving Spoons – Essential tools for serving your favorite soups.
Related Holidays
- National Clam Chowder Day (February 25)
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