Spinach-Watercress Soup

Spinach-Watercress Soup Recipe - Vegetarian food from Indonesia

Region / culture: Indonesia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach-Watercress Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their immune system and overall health.

History

Spinach-Watercress Soup has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Watercress, known for its peppery flavor and high nutrient content, has long been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Spinach, on the other hand, is a versatile leafy green that is rich in antioxidants and fiber. When combined, these two greens create a flavorful and nutrient-dense soup that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

500 g of spinach or 300 g of watercress
1 tbsp of crunchy peanut butter (substitute: crushed peanuts)
2 tbsp of oil
500 ml vegetable stock (use vegetable stock cube)
500 ml water
2 tsp of turmeric
a pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 tbsp of dark soy sauce
large chunk of ginger
bean curd if desired

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, nutmeg, and turmeric with enough dark soy to create a paste.
Heat oil in a saucepan and add ginger, frying for a few seconds.
Add the peanut butter.
Stir rapidly as the peanut butter may stick to the bottom of the pan.
After 30 seconds, add the stock and stir well.
Take a ladle of the stock and add it to the turmeric paste.
Stir the paste into the liquid in the bowl.
Add the remaining soy sauce and turmeric mixture to the pan.
Stir the ingredients together.
Add spinach or watercress to the pan.
Cook for about 5-10 minutes until the spinach/watercress is cooked.
If desired, add tofu or bean curd one minute before the end.

Variations

For a creamier soup, blend the cooked ingredients together until smooth. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, be sure to sauté the ginger and peanut butter before adding the stock. This will help to release the aromas and flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more complex and delicious soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spinach-Watercress Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have watercress on hand, you can substitute spinach or another leafy green of your choice. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spinach-Watercress Soup with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of soy sauce for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing green tea. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach-Watercress Soup contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spinach-Watercress Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your day.

Fats

Each serving of Spinach-Watercress Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this soup come from the oil and peanuts, which provide essential fatty acids that are important for overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of Spinach-Watercress Soup contains approximately 8 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this soup a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach-Watercress Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for supporting immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, Spinach-Watercress Soup is a nutrient-dense and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is a great option for those looking to nourish their bodies.

Summary

Spinach-Watercress Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and flavor, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved cooking, and spent many hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning how to make traditional dishes that had been passed down through generations.

One day, while rummaging through an old chest of recipes that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Spinach-Watercress Soup, written in a beautiful, flowing script that I could barely read. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it, and she told me that it had been given to her by a dear friend many years ago.

I was determined to try my hand at making the soup, so I set out to gather the ingredients. I spent the afternoon picking fresh spinach and watercress from the garden, and carefully measured out the other ingredients that were listed on the recipe. As I chopped and stirred, the fragrant aroma of the soup filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was onto something special.

When the soup was finally ready, I poured myself a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a delightful combination of earthy greens and savory seasonings that danced across my taste buds. I knew then that this recipe was something truly special, and I made a mental note to always keep it close to my heart.

Over the years, I have made Spinach-Watercress Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. But no matter how many times I make it, the soup always brings me back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first discovered the magic of this recipe.

I have since learned that Spinach-Watercress Soup is a favorite among many cultures, each with their own unique twist on the classic dish. In France, they add a dollop of crème fraîche for creaminess, while in China, they infuse the broth with ginger and garlic for a spicy kick. But for me, the original recipe that I found all those years ago will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Spinach-Watercress Soup for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this recipe. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I turn to time and time again when I want to warm both body and soul.

And so, as I take the first spoonful of soup and savor the familiar flavors that have comforted me for so many years, I can't help but reflect on the journey that brought me to this moment. It is a journey filled with memories of laughter and love, of sharing meals with loved ones and passing down recipes from one generation to the next.

And as I finish my bowl of Spinach-Watercress Soup, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of my family's culinary heritage for many years to come. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish body and soul, and to create lasting memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.