Kale Soup with Soy and Lime

Kale Soup with Soy and Lime Recipe - Peanut Oil, Onion, Garlic, Chicken, Cilantro, Jalapeno Chile, Lime

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kale Soup with Soy and Lime is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch. This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional kale soup recipes, incorporating Asian flavors like soy sauce and lime. Kale has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, known for its health benefits and versatility in cooking.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of peanut oil
1 cup of minced onion
2 tbsp of minced garlic
4 cups of chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or water (preferably warmed)
1 tbsp of soy sauce
salt to taste
about 3 cups of roughly chopped kale leaves (stripped from the stalks and well rinsed)
minced cilantro leaves for garnish
1 fresh jalapeno chile, stemmed and minced (optional)
1 lime, cut into eighths

How to prepare

Place the oil in a large, deep saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown, for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Once the onion is tender and golden, add the garlic.
Cook for 1 minute, then add the stock or water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Add the soy sauce and taste for salt; add more if needed.
Add the kale to the simmering broth and cook until it becomes tender, which should take about 10 minutes (you can prepare the soup in advance up to this point. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat before continuing).
Adjust the seasoning to your preference (you may choose to add more soy sauce instead of salt).
Garnish, and serve the soup, passing the minced jalapeno and lime wedges at the table.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Swap out the kale for spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to strip the kale leaves from the stalks before chopping to ensure a tender texture in the soup.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt to your taste preference.

- For a spicier kick, add more minced jalapeno or even a dash of hot sauce.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Kale Soup with Soy and Lime with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or vegetable oil in place of peanut oil.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Kale Soup with Soy and Lime with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kale Soup with Soy and Lime contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kale Soup with Soy and Lime contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kale Soup with Soy and Lime contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kale Soup with Soy and Lime contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and peanuts. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Kale Soup with Soy and Lime is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is perfect for a healthy meal option.

Summary

Kale Soup with Soy and Lime is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is a healthy choice for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Kale Soup with Soy and Lime. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1960s, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always enjoyed spending time with her and learning new recipes. On that particular day, she excitedly showed me a recipe she had recently discovered for a delicious and nutritious kale soup.

The recipe was a combination of flavors and ingredients that I had never seen before. It called for fresh kale, soy sauce, and lime juice, along with garlic, onions, and a variety of spices. I remember being intrigued by the unique combination and couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

As Maria walked me through the steps of making the soup, I was struck by her passion and expertise in the kitchen. She explained how she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Asia and brought back a collection of exotic recipes. Maria had since adapted and perfected the recipe to suit her own tastes, and now she was passing it on to me.

After a few hours of chopping, simmering, and stirring, the soup was finally ready. Maria ladled out a steaming bowl for each of us, and we sat down at her kitchen table to savor the fruits of our labor. The first spoonful was a revelation – the kale was tender and flavorful, the soy sauce added a rich umami depth, and the lime juice provided a bright and zesty finish. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the Kale Soup with Soy and Lime countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to my own tastes. I added extra garlic for a more robust flavor, played around with different types of kale, and experimented with different levels of spice. Each time I made the soup, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and the moment we had shared in her kitchen all those years ago.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were always impressed by the unique combination of flavors and the health benefits of the hearty kale soup. It became a staple in my repertoire, perfect for chilly nights or when I needed a comforting and nutritious meal.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, adding to my ever-growing collection of culinary treasures. Each recipe held a story and a memory, a connection to the people and places that had shaped my love of cooking.

Now, as I look back on that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life. The Kale Soup with Soy and Lime recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and creativity that cooking can bring.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, in the hopes that you will continue to explore the world of flavors and ingredients, and create your own culinary masterpieces. May this soup bring you warmth, nourishment, and a taste of the love that has been passed down through the generations. Bon appétit!