Discover the perfect wines—including one from India—to complement this spiced, creamy classic.
What Is Mulligatawny Soup?
Mulligatawny, from the Tamil words milagu (pepper) and tanni (water), is a rich, spiced soup that originated in South India. The British adapted the original “pepper water” into a heartier version with lentils, meat, coconut milk, and vegetables.
Today, it’s a beloved example of Anglo-Indian fusion cuisine—aromatic, creamy, and full of warming spices.
Key Ingredients & Flavors
Typical Ingredients:
- Red lentils or split peas
- Onion, garlic, ginger
- Carrots, celery, green apple
- Chicken or lamb (optional)
- Coconut milk or cream
- Spices: turmeric, cumin, black pepper, garam masala
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Flavor Profile:
- Warming spice
- Earthy and savory
- Slightly sweet from coconut and apple
- Rich, creamy texture
- Balanced with a touch of acidity
🧪 How Wine Reacts with Spices
Pairing wine with spiced dishes like Mulligatawny requires understanding how spice compounds interact with wine elements:
- Acidity in wine lifts and refreshes the palate
- A touch of sweetness balances heat and spice
- Low tannins avoid intensifying peppery notes
- Fruit-forward or aromatic wines highlight exotic flavors
Spices like black pepper (piperine) and turmeric (curcumin) can clash with bold reds, so thoughtful pairing is essential.
🍷 Top White Wine Pairings
1. Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc – Nashik, India 🇮🇳
Sweetness and bright acidity make this a stunning match. The wine’s tropical notes balance coconut milk and warm spice beautifully.
Try from: Sula Vineyards
2. Gewürztraminer – Alsace, France
Floral, lychee-scented, and lightly spicy, this wine mirrors the aromatic profile of the soup.
Top Producers: Domaine Weinbach, Trimbach
3. Off-Dry Riesling – Mosel (Germany) or Clare Valley (Australia)
This classic pairing has it all: freshness, stone fruit, and subtle sweetness to tame the spice.
Great Picks: Dr. Loosen (Germany), Jim Barry (Australia)
🍷 Top Red Wine Pairings
1. Pinot Noir – Oregon, USA
Light-bodied with juicy red fruit and soft tannins, Pinot Noir complements the soup without overpowering it.
Try: Domaine Drouhin, Elk Cove Vineyards
2. Zweigelt – Austria
A hidden gem! Fruity, peppery, and food-friendly. It matches the soup’s earthiness while staying light.
Try: Weingut Bründlmayer, Markus Huber
3. Barbera – Piedmont, Italy
Its high acidity and plush red fruit make Barbera a great foil for Mulligatawny’s creamy base.
Try: Vietti, Braida
🌟 Offbeat Pairing Ideas
✨ Sparkling Rosé
Bright, bubbly, and full of red berry notes. A perfect match for the soup’s creamy spice.
Try: Schramsberg Brut Rosé (USA), Chandon India Rosé
✨ Vin Jaune – Jura, France
This nutty, oxidized wine complements deeply toasted spices and lends a gourmet edge. A bold, advanced pairing!
🚫 Wines to Avoid
| ❌ Mismatch | 😬 Why It Fails | ✅ Better Option | 🍷 Suggested Wine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Too tannic; spice clash | Low-tannin red | Oregon Pinot Noir |
| Oaky Chardonnay | Doubles down on creaminess | Crisp aromatic white | Chenin Blanc or Riesling |
| Sauvignon Blanc (NZ style) | Too grassy, sharp | Floral & fruity | Gewürztraminer |
🔑 Expert Pairing Tips
- 🍽 Aim for balance: Acid + fruit + low tannin = success
- 🔥 Match intensity: Bold spices need bold aromas, not bold tannins
- 🌿 Add freshness: Lemon or apple in the soup? Lean into it with the wine
💡 Fun Fact
Mulligatawny became so fashionable in Victorian Britain that it often appeared on aristocratic menus alongside Madeira and Sherry!
👩🍳 Mulligatawny Soup Recipe (Wine-Friendly Version)
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 green apple, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or veggie stock
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation
- Sauté onion, garlic, ginger in oil until translucent
- Stir in spices; cook until fragrant
- Add lentils, apple, carrots, celery
- Pour in broth; simmer until lentils soften (20–25 mins)
- Add coconut milk; blend partially for a creamy texture
- Season and serve with cilantro
🍷 Wine-Friendly Tips
- Use less chili for better wine harmony
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the pairing
- Pair with chilled Gewürztraminer or Sula Chenin Blanc
🥂 Final Sips
Mulligatawny’s complexity deserves a wine pairing that celebrates its layers. Whether you’re sipping Indian Chenin Blanc or toasting with a sparkling rosé, the key is to let the wine lift and balance the richness of the soup.