| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 258 | 8g | 4g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 5g | 6g | 0.4g |
I’ve had the pleasure of cooking a countless number of dishes over the years, but the one I hold dearest to my heart is the fruit-based Kencur Soup: A heart-warming soup made with Kencur. This recipe is not just unique because of its tropical appeal, but also for the distinctive mix of ingredients that play together harmoniously to bring out a refreshingly exciting flavor. Although this recipe stretches away from my niche of hearty mountain cuisines, it beautifully complements my repertoire with its diverse melding of flavors.
The Kencur Soup Story
This distinctive soup is reminiscent of Gordon’s and my culinary ventures in South-East Asia. The fragrance of the Kencur, a root closely related to ginger, takes me back to this wanderlust-inspiring region, flooding me with exquisite memories. I remember being fascinated with how this root along with a colorful array of fruits can transform into such a delightful hearty soup.
Health and happiness in one bowl
One of the reasons why I adore the Kencur soup is its abundance of health benefits. The soup brims with Kencur, also known as Kaempferia galanga – a root that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This soup is keenly bolstered with fruits and vegetables that provide a wealth of vitamins and fiber, making it not just satisfying but nutritiously rich, too.
For a touch of sweetness, a spoonful of honey is added, which is known to boost the immune system and soothe the throat. Lastly, a splash of lemon juice infuses this brew with acidity that balances the sweetness of the fruits and the pungent hits from the Kencur and garlic. All these ingredients come together to make a soup that is palatable, healthy, and comforting in equal measures.
Similar to the Vietnamese Pho or the traditional Thai Tom Yum soup, this Kencur Soup can effortlessly be paired with a crusty baguette or a bowl of jasmine rice for a wholesome meal. Reminiscent of some quintessential South-East Asian recipes, it makes a delightful appetizer or a light meal that caters to both, your health, and your palate.
Whether it’s raining outside on a tumultuous day or you are simply craving something out of the ordinary, indulge in a bowl of Kencur Soup. Its heart-warming, exotic essence won’t disappoint.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of Kencur (Kaempferia galanga) root, finely cut
- 3 cups of mixed fruit (apple, pear, and pineapple), chopped
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups of carrot, chopped
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1.5 cups of onions, chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 6 sprigs of fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the Kencur root under running water. Once clean, finely chop the root into small pieces. Do the same for the carrot, celery, onions, and mixed fruits. Also, mince the garlic and set all these ingredients aside.
Step Two
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add the onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Saute these ingredients until they start to soften and become fragrant which will take around five minutes.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped Kencur to the pot along with the mixed fruits. Continue to cook for another five minutes. Make sure that the ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable broth, increase the heat to high, and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the salt and black pepper, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step Five
After 30 minutes, add in the lemon juice and honey, and stir until they are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step Six
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your heart-warming Kencur Soup!
