Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup

Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup Recipe from India

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

Introduction

Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the heat of red chilies. This soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.

History

Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It is known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying soup.

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth
1 large chicken breast
2 stalks lemon grass, sliced diagonally into 2-inch pieces
1 chunk of ginger, 2 inches in size
3-4 large cloves of garlic
2-3 large red chillies, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
0.25 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp turmeric powder
0.25 tsp coriander powder
salt, to taste
0.5 tsp crushed black pepper
fresh chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
1 tbsp cooking oil

How to prepare

Marinate the chicken breast in turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper for approximately 30 minutes.
Fry the marinated chicken in a small amount of oil in a thick-bottomed pan until it turns brown on both sides. Cut the chicken into thin pieces and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and fry the sliced onions until they become transparent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn into a thick consistency.
Add chicken broth, ginger, garlic, lemon grass, red chilies, salt, and pepper. Let it come to a boil.
Add the chicken pieces and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and enjoy over soft-cooked noodles!

Variations

Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood version of the soup.
Adjust the amount of red chilies to suit your spice tolerance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and lemon grass for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red chilies according to your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying soup.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

- Frying the onions and tomatoes before adding the broth enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast for a different texture.

- Substitute fish sauce for salt for a more authentic Southeast Asian flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove and add the chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Serve it in individual bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup with a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing beer like a pilsner. For a non-alcoholic option, try a glass of iced green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein and vitamin C. It is low in calories and does not contain any allergens, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the warmth and comfort it brings.

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, just like any other, when I stumbled upon an old cookbook in the attic. As I dusted off the cover, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. The pages were yellowed with age, and the binding was cracked from years of use. It was like uncovering a treasure trove of culinary secrets.

Intrigued, I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the various recipes that filled the book. There were traditional dishes from around the world, passed down through generations. But one recipe in particular caught my eye - Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup. The combination of flavors sounded intriguing, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients from the kitchen and set to work. Chopping vegetables, simmering broth, and adding spices. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of tangy tomatoes and savory chicken. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe - it was a journey, a story waiting to be told through each delicious spoonful.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the finished soup, I closed my eyes and let the flavors dance on my tongue. The tanginess of the tomatoes paired perfectly with the richness of the chicken, creating a harmony of tastes that I had never experienced before. It was like a symphony in a bowl, each ingredient playing its own unique melody.

From that day on, Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a comforting meal on a cold winter's night. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that warm summer day in the attic, and the cookbook that had sparked my culinary journey.

Over the years, I would make small tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. But the essence of the dish remained the same - a comforting bowl of soup that brought people together, warming both body and soul.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in the attic, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that cookbook gave me. It wasn't just a collection of recipes, but a window into a world of flavors and possibilities. And Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that cooking can bring, and the memories that can be created through food.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting meal, look no further than a steaming bowl of Hot and Sour Tomato-Chicken Soup. It's more than just a recipe - it's a story waiting to be told, a journey waiting to be savored. And who knows, maybe one day you'll stumble upon a cookbook of your own, and uncover a treasure trove of culinary secrets, just like I did.