Healthy Recipe Idea: Oriental Soup
Chinese food has got a reputation as being unhealthy in many countries due to the fact that is a common fast food choice. Much of this style of Chinese food would actually be unrecognisable to people in China where there is strong focus on a healthy diet. The Chinese way of eating is in fact very healthy due to the fact it incorporates rice, soup at most meals and red meat is eaten in moderation. They use foods that have health benefits rather than being concerned with counting calories. They are also brought up to eat slowly and stop eating once you are full.
If you are wanting to try an oriental style recipe this Chinese New Year why not have a go at making this Oriental Soup. This is a recipe by Mary Berry that I enjoyed...
Ingredients:
2 Chinese mushrooms
¼ head of Chinese leaves
1.5 litres of vegetable stock
Salt
125g Tofu
90g drained canned bamboo shoots, sliced
90g cooked lean boneless and skinless chicken, diced
30g bean sprouts
3 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp cold water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
To serve: 2tsp sesame oil, 2 spring onions thinly sliced, Coriander sprigs
Method:
Put the mushrooms into a bowl, cover with hot water, and leave to soak for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the sliced Chinese leaves into a large saucepan, add the stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside.
Break the noodles into pieces. Simmer in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain.
Drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Squeeze the mushrooms dry, then cut them into thin strips.
Add the tofu, bamboo shoots, chicken, beansprouts, noodles, and the mushrooms and their liquid to the Chinese leaves and stock. Heat until almost boiling, then stir in the cornflour mixture. Simmer until the soup thickens slightly, then drizzle in the beaten effs to form strands.
Combine the vinegar, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper, and pour into the soup. Taste for seasoning. Drizzle a little sesame oil over each serving, and garnish with spring onion slices and coriander sprigs.
Enjoy!
