Cold Sweet and Sour Soup

Cold Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Soup with Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Tofu

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cold sweet and sour soup is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days. This soup combines the tangy flavors of lemon and orange juice with the sweetness of honey, creating a unique and delicious taste experience.

History

This recipe has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where sweet and sour flavors are commonly used in dishes. The cold version of this soup is a modern twist on the traditional hot sweet and sour soup, making it a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

3 oz (85 g) of olive oil
7 oz (198 g) of chopped onion
10.25 oz (291 g) of chopped cabbage
10.25 oz (291 g) of chopped tomatoes
1 pt (473 ml) of water
3.25 oz (92 g) of lemon juice
4 tbsp of honey
3.25 oz (92 g) of orange juice
1 oz (28 g) of tofu balls

How to prepare

Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until they become translucent.
Add cabbage to the pan and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
Include tomatoes, water, lemon juice, and honey to the pan. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Transfer the soup into a food processor and blend until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Refrigerate the soup for 6 to 8 hours.
Before serving, mix the soup with orange juice.
Arrange tofu balls in a dish and pour the soup over them.
Garnish with julienned cabbage and chervil leaves.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a tropical twist.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the soup for at least 6 to 8 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like chervil or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cold sweet and sour soup as a starter or light meal on a hot summer day. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions and cabbage until they are soft and translucent.

- Blend the soup in a food processor until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the soup before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.

- Substitute firm tofu for the tofu balls if desired.

- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. Just mix in the orange juice and tofu balls right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a few fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the cold sweet and sour soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cold sweet and sour soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cold sweet and sour soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cold sweet and sour soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cold sweet and sour soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C from the lemon and orange juice, as well as vitamin A from the tomatoes and cabbage.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy from the tofu balls, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Cold sweet and sour soup is a light and refreshing dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Summary

Cold sweet and sour soup is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. With its tangy and sweet flavors, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a quaint little village just outside of the city. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.

That day, Maria greeted me with a big smile and a bowl of cold sweet and sour soup. I had never heard of such a dish before, but one taste was all it took for me to fall in love with the unique combination of flavors. The soup was refreshing, tangy, and sweet all at the same time, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

Maria laughed when I begged her for the recipe, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. She promised to teach me how to make it, but only if I promised to keep it to myself. I eagerly agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her sunlit kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering broth, and mixing in the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

As we cooked, Maria shared the story of how she had learned to make the soup from her grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country. She told me about the special occasions when her family would gather around the table to enjoy this soup, and how it always brought back fond memories of her childhood.

I listened intently, soaking up every detail of the recipe and the stories that went along with it. By the time we finished cooking, I felt like I had been initiated into a secret society of soup lovers, bound together by a shared appreciation for this delicious dish.

After that day, I made cold sweet and sour soup a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I would serve it to friends and family, who would always ask for the recipe, and I would smile and tell them that it was a family secret passed down through generations.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in my own special touches to make it truly my own. But every time I take that first sip of the tangy broth, I am transported back to that hot summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first fell in love with this dish.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of cold sweet and sour soup, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this recipe. It has become a beloved tradition in my family, just as it was in Maria's, and I know that it will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing joy and memories to all who taste its delicious flavors.