Comfort Food: A Glimpse into My Healing Journey with Soup

When life hits you hard, there's one thing that can offer immediate solace and warmth: comfort food. For me, it's more than just a meal; it's a lifeline that brings back memories and comfort during tough times. Whether it's a traditional Vietnamese bun bo hue, a homemade hot rice pudding, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich, soup has always been my go-to.

My Favorite Comfort Food: Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue

My comfort meal is a Vietnamese dish called bun bo hue, which originated from Hue, Vietnam. Like many of us, I grew up in a Vietnamese household, and bun bo hue has been one of my favorite soups. It's not just a meal; it's a taste of home and a reminder of cherished times. The main ingredients include:

Rice noodles (I forgot the exact name, but these are thick and chewy) Sliced pork hock Gelatinous pork blood Sheep’s blood dumplings (fish balls and pork rolls) Different spices (often includes lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon for a unique flavor) A perfect heat, thanks to the use of chili peppers or other spices

The dish is rich in flavor, blending a balance of savory and spicy elements to create a complex and comforting experience.

Other Comfort Foods

While bun bo hue holds a special place in my heart, there are times when I crave simpler, homey delights. Here are a few other comfort foods that regularly make an appearance:

Hot Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Sugar

There's something incredibly soothing about the warm, sugary flavor of hot rice pudding, especially when spiced with cinnamon. It's the perfect dessert to end a day of emotional healing. And let's not forget the salt and vinegar crisps to dip into a creamy curd. The contrast between salty and sweet is a delightful sensory experience.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

When it comes to simple yet comforting dishes, a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup is hard to beat. It's familiar, filling, and easy to prepare. No matter the ingredients, the combination of gooey cheese and soft, toasty bread is always a winner.

A Healing Journey with Soup

This past week has been particularly challenging. Just a few days ago, I lost my husband, and the world around me seemed to turn upside down. I was in the hospital, going through a series of medical and psychological challenges. In the ER, I felt vulnerable and exposed, but the psych ward was even worse, filled with the sound of screams and intense chaos.

Amidst this turmoil, the only thing I longed for was peace, solace, and something nourishing to eat. My niece and friends met me at the hospital, and when we got home, my niece, who embodies her maternal grandmother's generous spirit, set about preparing a meal. She made a simple yet meaningful dish that brought back cherished memories.

Split pea soup with garlic croutons was the choice, a traditional and comforting option that is both familiar and hearty. It's a perfect dish for a cold winter evening. Garlicky croutons added a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the warm, comforting broth.

Homey and Basic or Delicate and Elegant

Soup can be homey and basic or delicate and elegant, always providing the warmth needed on a cold winter evening. A good soup can fill you up and make you feel cared for. It's a comfort that goes beyond the taste, offering a connection to home and the people who share these experiences with you.

In moments of despair, the best of my loved ones lives on through their actions and the comfort they provide. Just like my dear late mother and friend Olive, who always knew how to make a comforting meal during tough times, the memories and the actions of those who love us continue to provide us with warmth and healing.

The best of my husband, Number One, and my loved ones will live on. And in those tough moments, a good soup or any comforting food can be a profound reminder of the kindness, love, and strength that surrounds us.