Craving a comforting yet surprisingly light soup? Look no further than this vibrant and flavorful Minced Meat & Red Lettuce Soup recipe! This dish offers a delightful balance of savory minced meat, the refreshing crunch of red lettuce, and a subtly sweet broth that's perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch. Forget heavy, greasy soups; this recipe delivers a satisfying meal without weighing you down, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your weekly menu. The combination of textures and tastes is truly unique, offering a delightful culinary experience you won't soon forget.
This simple yet elegant soup is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is straightforward. Ready to experience the magic of this delicious soup yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Minced meat: 200-500 grams
- Shallots: 4
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Red lettuce: 400 grams
- Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cooking oil
- Water: 1 liter
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Meat
- Crush and chop garlic. Chop shallots. Wash and cut red lettuce into 4cm pieces.
- Marinate minced meat with ground pepper, MSG, sugar, and seasoning powder. Mix well and let it marinate for about 5 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook Meat
- Add cooking oil to the pot and sauté shallots until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until it's slightly rare.
Step 3. Simmer Soup and Add Lettuce
- Add 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook until boiling.
- Add the prepared red lettuce to the boiling soup. Mix well and press down the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Season the soup with sugar, seasoning powder, MSG, salt, and ground pepper to taste.
Step 4. Final Touches and Serving
- Bring the soup to a boil again on high heat, then turn off the stove.
- Garnish with pepper.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- If using lean meat with fat, the soup will be more delicious.
- Use young red lettuce with fewer roots for better taste.
- Stir-frying the meat helps it become fragrant and prevents the soup from having an unpleasant smell.
- Red lettuce with smaller stems will taste better.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes! While red lettuce adds a nice color and slight bitterness, you can substitute it with butter lettuce, romaine, or even iceberg lettuce. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
2. What kind of minced meat is best?
Ground beef or pork works well. You can also use a leaner ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just make sure it's well-drained before adding it to the soup.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This refreshing Minced Meat and Red Lettuce Soup is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined expertly. Enjoy this surprisingly light yet satisfying meal as a comforting weeknight dinner or a unique lunch option. We hope you savor every delicious spoonful!