Hinjo

Hinjo Recipe from Burma with Sesame Oil, Green Tomatoes, and Shrimp Paste

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hinjo is a traditional Burmese soup that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. The combination of green tomatoes, greens, and shrimp paste creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.

History

Hinjo has been a staple in Burmese cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during the cooler months, as it is hearty and warming. The use of green tomatoes and greens in this soup is a nod to the abundance of fresh produce in Myanmar, where this dish originates from.

Ingredients

2 tsp of sesame oil
1 onion, finely sliced lengthwise
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
0.25 tsp of ground turmeric
3 green tomatoes, chopped
1 cup of torn spinach or other greens
5-6 cups of rhubarb or fish stock, or boiling water
0.25 tsp of dried shrimp paste
salt to taste

How to prepare

Heat oil in a saucepan until it is very hot.
Next, fry the onion, garlic, and turmeric for 30 seconds.
Add the tomatoes and spinach.
Stir for another 30 seconds, then add the stock or water.
Allow the mixture to boil.
Include the shrimp paste, cover the pan, and let it simmer over low heat until the vegetables are soft.
Add salt to taste.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the shrimp paste and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein. You can also add different greens or herbs to change up the flavor profile of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, be sure to fry the onion, garlic, and turmeric until they are fragrant. This will help to release the aromas and flavors of the spices. Additionally, be sure to simmer the soup over low heat to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Hinjo can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread. It can also be enjoyed as a starter or appetizer before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Hinjo is to fry the spices until they are fragrant and to simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes or tomatillos as a substitute. You can also use any type of greens that you have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens.

Make Ahead Tips

Hinjo 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 Hinjo in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt on top. You can also garnish the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Hinjo pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. You can also serve this soup with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover 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 Hinjo contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hinjo contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the green tomatoes and greens in the soup.

Fats

There are about 5 grams of fat in each serving of Hinjo. The sesame oil used in the recipe adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Hinjo is a good source of protein, with each serving containing around 8 grams. The protein comes from the shrimp paste and the greens in the soup.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The green tomatoes and greens are rich in these nutrients, making this dish a healthy choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains shrimp paste, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Hinjo is a nutritious and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Hinjo is a delicious and nutritious Burmese soup that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this warming soup with friends and family for a cozy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah in her quaint little village. Sarah was known for her amazing cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

On this particular day, as we sat in her kitchen chatting and sipping on tea, Sarah suddenly got up and rummaged through an old dusty cookbook. She pulled out a yellowed piece of paper and handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Here, Mary, you have to try this recipe for Hinjo. It's a family secret passed down for generations," she said with a smile.

Intrigued, I took the piece of paper and started reading the recipe. It was a simple dish, made with potatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. The instructions were easy to follow, but there was something about the combination of ingredients that piqued my interest.

Sarah urged me to give it a try, and so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I peeled and diced the potatoes, chopped the onions, and sautéed them in a pan with the spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I was onto something special.

As the dish cooked, Sarah and I chatted about our families, our lives, and the joy of sharing recipes with loved ones. The Hinjo simmered away on the stove, filling the air with its tantalizing scent.

Finally, it was time to taste the dish. I scooped a spoonful onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect harmony of spices and textures. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary gem.

From that day on, I made it a mission to perfect the recipe for Hinjo. I experimented with different spice blends, varied the cooking times, and even added a secret ingredient or two of my own. Each time I made it, I would think back to that day in Sarah's kitchen and the magical moment when I first tasted this delicious dish.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, always with a twinkle in my eye just like Sarah had done with me. The joy of cooking and sharing this special dish never faded, and it became a staple in my own kitchen.

Now, as I sit here recounting the story of how I learned to make Hinjo, I can't help but smile. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

And so, I continue to cook this beloved recipe, always remembering that warm summer day in Sarah's kitchen when I first discovered the magic of Hinjo. It's a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the bonds that food can create.