Lemongrass Soup with Noodles and Greens
Try this Lemongrass soup with noodles and greens recipe.
Try this Lemongrass soup with noodles and greens recipe.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 dried shiitake mushroom
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 4 stalks of lemongrass*
- 85 g / 3 oz fresh ginger sliced
- 1 large shallot cut into quarters skin on
- 2 garlic cloves smashed skin on
- 1/2-1 thai red chilli sliced
- 1/2 sheet of kombu (15 cm x 5 cm / 5 in x 2 in ) (opti
- 1 celery stalk sliced roughly
- 1 large carrot sliced roughly
- a bunch of fresh coriander stalks (keep the leaves
- 8 fresh or frozen makrut lime leaves torn
- 1 tsp coriander seeds toasted
- approx. 2 tsp sea salt divided (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp shiro / white miso paste
- approx. 2 tbsp lime juice adjust to taste
- 200 g / 7 oz vermicelli rice noodles
- 400 g / 14 oz favourite tofu (i like japanese-style tofu
- 200 g / 7 oz tenderstem broccoli
- 100 g / 3.5 oz bok choi
- 1 large courgette turned into ‘zoodles’
- 1 spring onion sliced to garnish
- chilli oil or condiment like sambal oelek to taste (optional)
- fresh coriander and mint to garnish
- Carbohydrate 0.41758125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.5885225 g
- Fiber 0.258112506866455 g
- Protein 0.08440875 g
- Saturated Fat 0.6460275 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (251g)
- Sodium 0.273 mg
- Sugar 0.159468743133545 g
- Trans Fat 0.2048925 g
- Calories 42 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut approx. 10 cm / 4 inches off the bottom of each lemongrass stalk. Discard the tops, take the tough, outer layer off and bash the stalks with a rolling pin until crushed.
- Place all the stock ingredients (up to, but not including, the miso paste) including 1 tsp of salt in a pot with approximately 2 litres / 9 cups of water.
- Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- Remove kombu and discard. If possible, set aside for a few hours for the flavours to develop.
- Strain the broth through a fine sieve – squeeze as much liquid out of the veggies as you can.
- Season with miso diluted in some of the broth, more salt (if needed) and lime juice.
- Cook your noodles according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain and stir 2 tsp of toasted sesame oil through them, for extra flavour.
- Heat up a griddle pan or a heavy skillet. Brush the pan with some oil if your tofu is dry, place tofu on the hot oil and press it down well – I like to use a heavy saucepan – allow it to char on one side before flipping to the other side.
- Steam tenderstem broccoli adding bok choi a minute later – the first takes approximately 7 minutes and the latter 6 minutes to steam.
- Plunge into ice cold water as soon as they are done to retain their beautiful colour.
- Place a cluster of noodles, the zoodles, a few bits of tofu and steamed veggies in each bowl.
- Pour hot soup on top.
- Garnish with sliced spring onions, chilli oil (optional), fresh mint and coriander leaves.
A Simple Yet Satisfying Bowl of Lemongrass Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can often feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep the household running smoothly. But even amidst the chaos, I've discovered the joy of creating flavorful and nourishing meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. This lemongrass soup with noodles and greens is a perfect example of a quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying dish that fits seamlessly into my busy life.
The vibrant aroma of lemongrass instantly transports me to warmer climates, a welcome escape from the daily grind. The subtle sweetness of the ginger and garlic blends beautifully with the fragrant lemongrass, creating a flavour profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. The addition of noodles adds a hearty element, while the fresh greens provide a much needed boost of vitamins and nutrients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever’s fresh and in season – the possibilities are endless! Sometimes I'll add a handful of spinach or even some shredded carrots, depending on what I have available.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a satisfying weekend brunch. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. I often make a large batch on Sunday and portion it out for quick and easy lunches during the week. This saves me a lot of time and ensures I'm always eating healthy, even when time is short.
The Magic of Lemongrass
Lemongrass, with its unique citrusy fragrance and subtle lemony flavor, is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It’s not just delicious; it also offers a range of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost immunity. The aroma alone is enough to lift your spirits and bring a sense of calm to even the most hectic day.
For me, cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it's a way to connect with my family and create cherished memories. The aroma of this soup fills our kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to the table, creating a sense of togetherness that is invaluable. It's a testament to the fact that even the simplest of meals can be extraordinary when shared with loved ones.
Beyond the Bowl: A Journey of Flavors
This lemongrass soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure. The combination of textures and flavors is truly captivating. The tender noodles, the crisp greens, the slightly chewy tofu, all mingling harmoniously in a fragrant broth. It's a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied.
And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make. Even on the busiest of days, this recipe can be prepared in under an hour. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It’s a recipe that empowers even the most time-constrained individuals to create delicious and healthy meals that nourish both body and soul.
A Taste of Home, Wherever I Am
As a frequent traveler, I’ve come to appreciate the comfort of familiar flavors, especially when I’m far from home. This lemongrass soup has become my go-to recipe, whether I’m in a bustling city or a quiet countryside village. The simple ingredients are usually easy to find in most supermarkets, making it a dependable dish to recreate no matter where my adventures take me.
It's a recipe that has traveled with me across continents, offering a comforting taste of home amidst unfamiliar surroundings. The vibrant flavors and aromatic fragrance transport me back to my kitchen, reminding me of the warmth and comfort of family and home-cooked meals. It's a reminder that even in the midst of exploring new horizons, the simple pleasures of good food and good company are always close at hand.
Adapting the Recipe to Your Lifestyle
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its adaptability. It’s easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. If you're a vegetarian, simply omit the tofu. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chili. Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles or greens – the possibilities are truly endless.
The beauty of cooking is the freedom to express your creativity and personalize recipes to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different flavor combinations. It’s through these explorations that we discover our own unique culinary voices and create dishes that reflect our individual tastes and preferences.
More Than Just a Meal
In the end, this lemongrass soup is more than just a quick and easy meal. It's a reminder of the importance of nourishing ourselves, both physically and emotionally. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavors. It’s a celebration of the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of creating a meal that nourishes both body and soul. And perhaps most importantly, it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time to create something beautiful, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
