Cool Cucumber Soup with Soba Noodles

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €5.06 · €2.53/serving

• 1 English hothouse cucumberEst. price €0.70–€1.50
• 1 teaspoon kosher saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 1 Asian pear, quarteredEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegarEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• 1 teaspoon mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)Est. price €0.05–€0.12
• 1 garlic clove, mincedEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 red chile pepper (such as red jalapeo or Fresno), thinly slicedEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 2 ounces soba noodlesEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken meat or 4 ounces sliced tofu (optional)Est. price €2.00–€4.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preparing the fish sauce.

2. 2

   Slice enough cucumber into thin rounds to measure 1/4 cup and set aside in a small bowl. Peel the rest of the cucumber and chop it coarsely into 1-inch pieces. Place the chopped cucumber in another small bowl and sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over it. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Begin by thinly slicing a quarter of the pear and then peel and roughly chop the rest into 1-inch chunks. Submerge all the pear pieces in a bowl of ice water to keep them from oxidizing.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Cool Cucumber Soup with Soba Noodles is a fusion dish that combines elements from Asian and Western cuisines. The use of fish sauce, mirin, and soba noodles reflects Asian culinary influences, while the addition of rotisserie chicken and apple cider vinegar adds a Western twist to the recipe.

• Seasonal note

  Cool Cucumber Soup with Soba Noodles is best enjoyed during the summer months when cucumbers, Asian pears, and scallions are in season.

• Health note

  This dish is a nutritious choice, providing a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and low in saturated fat. However, it is high in sodium, so individuals watching their salt intake should consume it in moderation.