Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup

Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup Recipe - Indonesian and Thai Cuisine

Region / culture: Indonesia, Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender beef brisket with the fresh, crisp taste of white radish. This soup is known for its clear broth, which is flavored with a blend of spices and herbs, making it a perfect meal for any season. It's a dish that warms the heart and nourishes the body, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

History

The recipe for Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup has its roots in Asian cuisine, where both beef and radish are staple ingredients. This dish is particularly popular in regions where the climate calls for hearty, warming meals. Over the years, it has evolved, incorporating local ingredients and cooking techniques, but its essence remains the same: a simple, yet flavorful soup that highlights the natural tastes of its components.

Ingredients

350 g brisket
2 liters water
2 salam leaves or bay leaves
1 cm galangal, bruised
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, sliced finely and fried
75 g white soybeans, blanched and cooled
200 g white radish, peeled and sliced
2 scallions, sliced finely
2 sprigs Chinese parsley, sliced finely
2 tbsp fried shallots

Spicy Sauce

15 bird's eye chilies, ground
1 tbsp water
0.5 tsp vinegar
salt to taste

Serve with

sweet soy sauce
lime, sliced

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients for the spicy sauce and mix well.
In a pot, boil the beef with salam leaves or bay leaves, galangal, and salt until tender.
Remove the beef from the pot, reserving 1.5 liters of the stock.
Cut the beef into 1 cm cubes and add them to the stock.
Add fried garlic and pepper to the pot and bring it to a boil.
Add radish to the beef stock and simmer until cooked.
Drain the soybeans and add a dash of salt.
Fry the soybeans until they are dry and golden brown, then drain them.
Serve the soup garnished with scallions, Chinese parsley, fried soybeans, and fried shallots.
Serve with spicy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a few slices of lime.

Variations

There are several ways to vary this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms. Adding different vegetables, such as carrots or leafy greens, can also vary the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, it's important to simmer it slowly and gently. Using a cut like brisket, which has a good amount of connective tissue, will result in a more flavorful broth as it breaks down. Blanching the white radish before adding it to the soup can help remove any bitterness, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Lastly, frying the garlic and shallots until golden brown before adding them to the soup will add a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is best served hot, garnished with scallions, Chinese parsley, fried soybeans, and fried shallots. Accompany it with the spicy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and lime slices on the side for added flavor. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal alongside rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this dish include simmering, which is essential for developing the flavors of the broth, and frying, which adds depth to the garnishes. Blanching the white radish before adding it to the soup is another technique that enhances the dish's overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If brisket is not available, other cuts of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or shank, can be used. Galangal can be substituted with ginger for a slightly different flavor profile. For those who prefer a less spicy dish, the amount of bird's eye chilies can be adjusted according to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be cooked and the broth prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together overnight. The radish can also be blanched ahead of time. Before serving, simply reheat the soup, add the radish, and prepare the garnishes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in a large, deep bowl to showcase its clear broth and the variety of ingredients. Garnish with a generous amount of scallions, Chinese parsley, fried soybeans, and fried shallots for color and texture. A side dish of the spicy sauce and slices of lime will add visual appeal and allow guests to customize the flavor to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal. A light, crisp salad or a side of steamed vegetables can complement the soup's flavors without overpowering them. For drinks, a cup of green tea or a light, refreshing lager can enhance the dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bring the soup to a boil on the stove, ensuring it reaches a safe temperature throughout. It's best to add the garnishes fresh just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without overindulging. A typical serving contains approximately 200-250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the white radish and the small amount of soybeans. White radish, also known as daikon, is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that adds bulk and nutrients to the soup without a significant amount of carbs. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 10-15 grams, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The beef brisket contributes a moderate amount of fat to the dish, though this can be controlled by trimming excess fat before cooking. The use of minimal oil for frying the garlic and shallots also helps keep the fat content low. Overall, the soup is relatively low in fats, with most servings containing less than 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the inclusion of beef brisket. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and this dish provides a generous amount, with each serving offering approximately 20-25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those found in white radish and the herbs used for garnishing. White radish is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus, while the herbs add a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for individuals with these sensitivities. However, those with soy allergies should be cautious due to the inclusion of soybeans and soy sauce.

Summary

Overall, Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that offers a good mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals while being low in carbohydrates and fats. It's a wholesome dish that supports a healthy diet.

Summary

Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup is a timeless dish that combines the richness of beef with the freshness of white radish in a flavorful broth. It's a nutritious, comforting meal that's easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger feast, this soup is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations. This particular recipe was one that she had learned from a dear friend who hailed from a small village in the countryside.

I remember the day vividly, as my grandmother gathered all the ingredients needed to make this delicious soup. The beef was tender and fresh, the white radish crisp and fragrant. As she began to prepare the ingredients, I watched in awe as she expertly sliced and diced, her hands moving with precision and grace.

The key to this recipe, she explained to me, was in the broth. It needed to be clear and flavorful, with just the right balance of seasoning. She taught me how to simmer the beef bones for hours, allowing the rich flavors to meld together and create a broth that was both comforting and nourishing.

As the soup cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother added the white radish and beef to the pot, letting them simmer until they were tender and infused with the flavors of the broth. The end result was a clear soup that was both hearty and light, perfect for any time of year.

I watched as my grandmother served up bowls of the soup, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The first spoonful was a revelation - the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the radish sweet and subtle, and the broth rich and comforting. It was a dish that warmed the soul and brought a sense of home to the table.

From that day on, Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She taught me the recipe, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, each batch a tribute to my grandmother and the love she poured into every dish she made. I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and techniques to make it my own.

But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the memory of that first time I saw my grandmother make Beef and White Radish in Clear Soup will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me, and the love she shared through her cooking. It is a gift that I will always cherish, and one that I will pass on to future generations, just as she did for me.