Asian Veggie Sour Soup: Quick Fix

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €11.60 · €1.93/serving

• 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated in warm water and thinly sliced (save soaking liquid for extra flavor)Est. price €1.80–€3.50
• 1 tablespoon of light olive oil or peanut oil (use high heat oil for better browning)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1 teaspoon of dark sesame oil (add at the end of cooking for a nutty aroma)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• 1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced (cook until caramelized for sweetness)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• 2 or 3 stalks of bok choy or 2 large celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal (retain some crunch for texture)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
• One 14- to 16-ounce can of salt-free diced tomatoes, with juices (adds depth to the broth)Est. price €0.90–€1.60
• 1 cup of fresh white mushrooms, roughly chopped (saute separately for more flavor)Est. price €1.20–€2.00
• 4 cups of water (use vegetable broth for richer taste)Est. price €0.00–€0.01
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper or lemon pepper (adjust seasoning to taste)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 cup of snow peas, sliced into 1-inch pieces (blanch for vibrant color)Est. price €1.80–€3.00

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, cover the dried mushrooms with 1 cup of boiling water and let them soak until required.

2. 2

   Begin by heating a mixture of both oils in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown. Introduce the bok choy, tomatoes, white mushrooms, water, and pepper into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rapid simmer before reducing it immediately. Cover the pot and continue simmering gently until the bok choy reaches a tender-crisp texture, which should take approximately 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Trim the tough stems of the soaked mushrooms and set them aside. Slice the mushroom caps, then add both the sliced caps and reserved broth to the soup.

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• Cultural note

  Asian Veggie Sour Soup has its origins in Asian cuisine, specifically Chinese and Japanese traditions. It is known for its tangy and savory flavors, commonly associated with balancing yin and yang energies in the body.

• Seasonal note

  This Asian Veggie Sour Soup is best enjoyed in the fall and winter seasons when bok choy, snow peas, and mushrooms are in abundance and at their peak freshness.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious option, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. With low saturated fat and cholesterol, it is heart-healthy and supports digestion.