Sour water spinach, or Ipomoea aquatica, is a unique and flavorful green leafy vegetable, prized for its slightly sour and slightly bitter taste. It's incredibly versatile, lending itself to stir-fries, salads, and, as we'll explore today, a wonderfully comforting and healthy soup. This simple recipe showcases the best qualities of sour water spinach, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a refreshing lunch. The vibrant green color and fresh aroma alone will entice you.
This soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. Its simple yet delicious flavor profile is achievable even for beginner cooks. Ready to discover the secrets to crafting this delectable bowl of goodness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Spoon
- Sieve
Ingredients
- Water spinach: 500 grams
- Spinach: 50 grams
- Garlic: 5 cloves
- Cooking oil
- Water: 1 liter
- Sugar: 1.5 spoons
- MSG: 1/3 spoon
- Seasoning powder: 2 spoons
- Fish sauce: 1 spoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Water Spinach
- Cut off the old, tough bottom part of the water spinach stems. Remove most of the leaves, leaving 2-3 on top for presentation.
- Wash the water spinach thoroughly multiple times.
- Cut the water spinach into 2-3 cm pieces.
Step 2. Make the Aromatic Garlic Broth
- Chop the garlic into small pieces.
- Heat cooking oil in a pot. Add the garlic and fry until golden and fragrant. Remove the garlic and set aside, reserving a small amount for the broth.
- Add 1 liter of water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the reserved garlic to the boiling water.
- Roughly mash the garlic in the broth to release flavor. Strain the broth.
Step 3. Cook the Soup
- Add the chopped water spinach to the strained broth and stir well.
- Bring the broth back to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
- Add sugar, MSG, seasoning powder, fish sauce, and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste (add salt if needed).
- Simmer for another minute. Turn off the heat.
Step 4. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the fried garlic.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Use water spinach with large, crunchy stalks for best results.
- Adjust the seasoning to your family's preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute sour water spinach with another leafy green?
While other greens can be used, the unique sour and slightly bitter taste of sour water spinach is key to this recipe. Substituting might alter the flavor significantly. Bok choy or spinach are possible alternatives but won't give the same result.
2. How can I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
This simple sour water spinach soup recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy eating can be. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful soup as a light meal or a comforting side dish. We hope you'll add this easy recipe to your regular cooking rotation!