Craving a comforting yet light and flavorful soup? Look no further than this simple Chives Tofu Soup recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. This recipe beautifully balances the delicate freshness of chives with the subtle earthiness of soft tofu and the savory richness of minced meat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's surprisingly quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, making it ideal for busy individuals and families alike. The result is a nourishing and satisfying bowl of soup that's both healthy and delicious.
This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for both seasoned cooks and culinary novices. Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists; this Chives Tofu Soup focuses on simple preparation and maximum flavor. Ready to learn how to create this delightful and nutritious soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Basin
Ingredients
- Chives: 300g
- Soft Tofu: 2 boxes
- Dried Shrimp: 1 tablespoon
- Minced Meat: 200g
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons
- Sugar: 1/3 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Green Onion Root: a little bit
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Water: 1.5 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Wash and prepare 300g of fresh green chives. Discard any wilted parts.
- Marinate 200g of minced meat (slightly fattier for juiciness) with 1/3 teaspoon MSG, 1/3 teaspoon salt, 1/3 teaspoon sugar, a little chopped green onion root, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
- Gently wash and cut 2 boxes of soft tofu into bite-sized pieces. Be gentle as it's soft.
Step 2. Cook the Broth and Meat
- Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp. Skim off any foam.
- Add the marinated minced meat to the boiling broth. Cook until the meat pieces float to the surface.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon MSG, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the broth.
Step 3. Add Tofu and Chives
- Add the prepared tofu and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the chives and cook until boiling. Turn off the heat immediately to preserve the chives' color and prevent them from becoming tough.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Use fresh, green chives for the best flavor and color.
- Don't over-season the meat beforehand; add more seasoning to the broth as needed.
- Handle the soft tofu gently to prevent it from breaking.
- Skim off any foam that forms during cooking to keep the broth clear.
- Cook the chives briefly to maintain their vibrant green color and prevent toughness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the minced meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or even vegetarian crumbles can be used as a substitute for minced meat. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
2. What if I don't have soft tofu?
Firm or extra-firm tofu can be used, but it might result in a slightly different texture. You might want to press it to remove excess water first.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Chives, Soft Tofu & Minced Meat Soup is a versatile and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation time make it perfect for busy weeknights, while its comforting flavor will leave everyone feeling satisfied. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful soup!