| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 9g | 2g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 11g | 0.65g |
There’s truly nothing like a comforting, slow-cooked, and aromatic bowl of Momordica charantia and tofu soup. This ultimate trekker’s delight and an epicurean masterpiece get its distinct flavor from the fusion of simple ingredients, giving it a beautiful balance that’s nothing short of magical. There’s a compelling story in each spoonful that underpins my love for this unique and heartening dish.
Bringing Nature to Your Table
As a Rocky Mountain native and passionate angler, my culinary style often Go back to my roots in nature with a touch of wilderness inspiration. The Momordica charantia and tofu soup connects me back to those tranquil moments of serenity in the hills and valleys. With a distinct, bittersweet flavor profile, the Momordica charantia, or bitter gourd, provides a refreshingly bold touch to the soup, reminiscent of the bold and refreshing moments one finds in the great outdoors.
Culinary Delight Meets Nutritional Powerhouse
There’s no denying that a harmonious blend of tasteful and health-beneficial ingredients makes this soup a standout. The firm tofu imparts the soup with its hearty nature, and the addition of bitter gourd not only delivers on taste but also introduces numerous health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels and boosting your immune system.
Moreover, the wholesome goodness of onions, garlic, soy sauce, vegetable broth, and additional greens ensure you receive a broad spectrum of essential nutrients that are vital for your well-being. All in all, this soup is not only an exciting adventure for your taste buds but also a friend to your health. This is a nod to the health benefits of bitter melon and the nutritional rewards of tofu.
In A Bowl – A World Of Flavorful Compatibility
Our Momordica charantia and tofu soup bears a resemblance to a variety of Asian soups, mainly due to its ingredients and unique flavor profile. It pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice or can be relished alongside a crunchy green salad. For a fuller course, consider combining it with a stir-fry dish or grilled trout – one of my personal favorites from expertise in trout dishes. Indeed, every serving brings a world of pairing possibilities, maximizing joy from each treat.
To sum it up, the beauty of good food lies in its simplicity and the power to speak volumes about its origin, and our Momordica charantia and tofu soup encapsulates just this. Here’s to wholesome, enjoyable rustic cooking, inspired by the great outdoors!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pieces medium-sized Momordica charantia (bitter gourd)
- 14 ounces firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 quarts vegetable broth
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the Momordica charantia into thin slices, ensuring to remove any seeds. Drain your tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Mince your garlic, chop your onion and green onions, and set aside.
Step Two
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the sliced Momordica charantia to the pot and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Add the soy sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the Momordica charantia is fully softened and the flavors are well blended.
Step Five
Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 10-15 minutes, until it is hot and flavors have melded.
Step Six
Add the tofu cubes to the pot and stir gently to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the tofu is heated through.
Step Seven
If you would like to use the optional ingredients, add the fish sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, and chopped green onions to the soup, stirring gently to combine.
Step Eight
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions and cilantro if desired.
