Chinese Winter Soup

Chinese Winter Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Soup with Mushrooms and Spinach

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese Winter Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for the colder months. This soup is packed with vegetables, tofu, and flavorful seasonings that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chinese Winter Soup has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is traditionally made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and seasonings that are believed to help boost the immune system and keep the body warm during the winter months.

Ingredients

4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup washed spinach
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp cider vinegar
0.5 tsp pepper
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
0.25 tsp hot pepper oil
0.5 lb (227 g) diced tofu
2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 chopped scallion

How to prepare

Place the broth in a saucepan and add the mushrooms and spinach. Simmer for 3 – 4 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, sesame oil, and pepper oil. Stir well and then add to the broth.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Stir in the tofu and the cornstarch-water mixture, while stirring constantly.
Continue cooking the soup until it thickens.
Garnish the soup with cilantro and scallions.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for a meatier version of this soup.
Use different vegetables, such as bok choy, snow peas, or carrots, to change up the flavor and texture of the soup.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as ginger, garlic, or chili paste, to give the soup a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce, vinegar, or pepper to suit your palate.

- For a heartier soup, you can add cooked noodles or rice to the broth.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this soup based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Winter Soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and scallions. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Chinese Winter Soup is to simmer the vegetables and tofu in the broth until they are tender. Be sure to stir in the cornstarch-water mixture slowly to thicken the soup without clumping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tofu on hand, you can substitute it with cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chinese Winter Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese Winter Soup in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and scallions. You can also add a drizzle of chili oil or sesame oil for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chinese Winter Soup with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a side of stir-fried vegetables or dumplings for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chinese Winter Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Winter Soup contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

This soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the vegetables and tofu. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Chinese Winter Soup is a low-fat dish, with only about 5 grams of fat per serving. The sesame oil adds a touch of healthy fats to the soup.

Proteins

This soup is a good source of protein, thanks to the tofu. Each serving contains about 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese Winter Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. The spinach and mushrooms provide a good dose of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This soup contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Chinese Winter Soup is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is packed with vegetables, tofu, and flavorful seasonings. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a winter meal.

Summary

Chinese Winter Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the colder months. Packed with vegetables, tofu, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal option. Enjoy a bowl of this soup to warm you up from the inside out!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chinese Winter Soup. It was a cold winter day, and I had just returned home from a long day at work. As I entered the house, the aroma of the soup filled the air, warming my soul and making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

My dear friend Mei Ling had come over to visit, and she had brought along a pot of this delicious soup. I watched in awe as she prepared the ingredients, expertly chopping vegetables and simmering the broth on the stove. The combination of flavors and spices was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As we sat down to enjoy the soup together, Mei Ling shared the story of how she had learned to make it. She had traveled to China many years ago, where she had spent time with a local family who had graciously taught her their traditional recipes. This soup, in particular, had been a favorite of hers ever since.

I listened intently as Mei Ling recounted the steps and ingredients that went into making the soup. From the rich broth made from scratch to the delicate balance of spices and herbs, every element was carefully considered to create a harmonious and comforting dish.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make Chinese Winter Soup for myself. I asked Mei Ling for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained each step in detail, offering tips and tricks that she had picked up along the way.

I spent the next few weeks practicing and perfecting the recipe. I sourced the freshest ingredients and experimented with different cooking techniques to ensure that the soup turned out just right. With each batch I made, I could feel myself becoming more confident in my abilities and more connected to the tradition and culture behind the dish.

As I continued to make Chinese Winter Soup, I found myself reminiscing about the memories and experiences that had led me to this point. The recipe had become a symbol of friendship, learning, and discovery, reminding me of the importance of sharing food and stories with those around me.

Over time, I began to add my own personal touch to the recipe, adapting it to suit my taste preferences and incorporating ingredients that I had grown to love. The soup became a staple in my household, a comforting and nourishing dish that I would often make for family and friends on special occasions.

As the years passed, I had the opportunity to teach others how to make Chinese Winter Soup. I shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down the knowledge and tradition that had been passed on to me by Mei Ling. It brought me great joy to see them embrace the recipe and make it their own, creating new memories and connections through the shared experience of cooking and eating together.

Now, whenever I make Chinese Winter Soup, I am reminded of the journey that brought me to this point. I am grateful for the friendships, the lessons, and the moments of joy that have come from learning how to make this dish. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And every time I take a sip of the warm, flavorful broth, I am transported back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the magic of Chinese Winter Soup.