Bhutani Mushroom Soup

Bhutani Mushroom Soup Recipe - Delicious Chinese Soup

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bhutani Mushroom Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that brings together the rich traditions of Bhutanese cuisine with a touch of modern simplicity. This recipe is designed to offer a comforting and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on any day of the week. With its unique blend of mushrooms, ground meat, and aromatic spices, this soup is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses.

History

The origins of Bhutani Mushroom Soup can be traced back to the traditional culinary practices of Bhutan, a small kingdom nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the harmonious blend of flavors. This recipe has evolved over time, incorporating influences from neighboring countries while maintaining its distinct Bhutanese character. It reflects the Bhutanese people's deep connection with nature and their philosophy of living in harmony with the environment.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) reduced-sodium beef broth (1 large tetra-pak)
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 minced shallot
0.5 lb (227 g) ground meat (of your choice)
5 dried black mushrooms (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, destemmed and sliced)
0.5 cup tree ears, soaked and shredded
15-20 dried lily buds, soaked, trimmed and cut in half
0.5 cup shredded bamboo shoots
0.5 cup shredded carrots (pre-shredded from a bag)
4 oz (113 g) cellophane noodles, soaked, drained and cut into 2-inch lengths (2 pouches, each pouch is the size of a Twinkie)
2 tbsp mushroom soy sauce
1 tbsp black vinegar (or more)
1 tbsp mirin or sherry wine
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
1-2 tbsp chili oil (the kind with the seeds and bits floating on the bottom, shake it up before using)
1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

How to prepare

Pour the stock into a large saucepan and add ginger, garlic, and shallots. Bring it to a boil.
Add the ground meat and poach it until cooked, breaking it into chunks as you go.
Add all the remaining ingredients and simmer for 5-10 minutes, adjusting the taste with more vinegar or chili oil if desired.
The ingredients will absorb a significant amount of the broth, so there is no need to thicken it.
Serve the soup in bowls and sprinkle with green onions.

Variations

For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili oil. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms or add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, sauté the ginger, garlic, and shallots in oil before adding them to the broth. This will release their aromatic oils and add depth to the dish. When poaching the ground meat, ensure it is thoroughly broken into small chunks to distribute evenly throughout the soup. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and the ground meat with tofu or additional mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bhutani Mushroom Soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions. It pairs well with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal. A fresh, crisp salad can also complement the soup's rich flavors.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful Bhutani Mushroom Soup lies in the slow simmering of ingredients, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Poaching the meat directly in the broth also adds to the soup's richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If beef broth is not available, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives. Ground chicken or turkey can replace the ground meat for a lighter version. Rice noodles can substitute cellophane noodles for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in deep bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra touch of flavor. A side of lime wedges can allow guests to adjust the acidity to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

Bhutani Mushroom Soup pairs beautifully with light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling. These wines complement the soup's rich flavors without overpowering them.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bhutani Mushroom Soup contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a light yet nourishing meal option. This calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Bhutani Mushroom Soup contains approximately 20-25 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the cellophane noodles and vegetables like carrots and bamboo shoots. These ingredients provide energy and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Fats

This soup is relatively low in fats, with each serving containing about 5-10 grams, depending on the type of ground meat used and the amount of oil added. Opting for lean meat and using minimal oil can help keep the fat content lower.

Proteins

Each serving of Bhutani Mushroom Soup offers a good protein boost, with approximately 15-20 grams of protein. The ground meat and mushrooms are excellent protein sources, making this soup a satisfying and muscle-building meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Bhutani Mushroom Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to its diverse ingredients. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, while carrots provide vitamin A. The soup also contains minerals like iron and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include soy (from soy sauce) and gluten (from noodles, depending on the type used). Individuals with allergies should look for suitable substitutes or omit these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Bhutani Mushroom Soup is a balanced and nutritious meal, offering a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and healthful dish.

Summary

Bhutani Mushroom Soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that combines the essence of Bhutanese cuisine with the convenience of modern cooking. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly day or a simple yet satisfying meal, this soup is sure to delight. With its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and easy adaptability, it's a wonderful addition to any meal repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day when I stumbled upon a small, quaint market in the heart of Bhutan. As I wandered through the stalls, the vibrant colors and exotic smells filled my senses. I came across a tiny old woman with a weathered face and wise eyes, who was selling an assortment of mushrooms. Intrigued by the unique varieties she had on display, I struck up a conversation with her.

She introduced herself as Ama Tshering, and told me that she had been foraging for mushrooms in the forests of Bhutan for decades. She explained that mushrooms were a staple in Bhutanese cuisine, and that she had learned to make a delicious mushroom soup from her mother when she was just a little girl.

Intrigued by her story, I asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. Ama Tshering's eyes lit up with delight, and she agreed to teach me how to make her Bhutani Mushroom Soup.

We made our way to her humble home, where she showed me how to clean and prepare the mushrooms. She told me that the key to a good mushroom soup was to use a variety of mushrooms, each adding its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. She had gathered an assortment of mushrooms, including shiitake, oyster, and enoki, which she carefully washed and sliced.

As we worked, Ama Tshering shared stories of her childhood in the mountains of Bhutan, where she would spend hours exploring the forests in search of wild mushrooms. She spoke of the deep connection she felt to the land and the ingredients it provided, and how she had passed on her knowledge and love of cooking to her own children and grandchildren.

After the mushrooms were prepared, Ama Tshering showed me how to make the broth for the soup. She simmered a pot of water with ginger, garlic, and a traditional Bhutanese spice blend called datshi. The fragrant aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Once the broth had simmered and the flavors had melded together, Ama Tshering added the mushrooms to the pot. She let them cook until they were tender and infused with the rich flavors of the broth. Finally, she stirred in a dollop of creamy yak yogurt, which added a tangy richness to the soup.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Ama Tshering smiled at me with pride. She had passed on her knowledge and love of cooking to me, and I felt honored to have learned from such a wise and talented woman. The Bhutani Mushroom Soup was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – earthy, savory, and comforting all at once.

Since that day, I have made Ama Tshering's Bhutani Mushroom Soup countless times, sharing it with friends and family who have always marveled at its unique flavors. Every time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Bhutan, where I learned not just a recipe, but a piece of Ama Tshering's heart and soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.