| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 9g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 7g | 1.3g |
As a devoted food enthusiast with rich Southern and West African roots, I have a particularly soft spot for recipes that blend tradition, taste, and health, all served in one bowl. One such recipe that always warms my heart and palate is the fragrant Water Spinach Soup with Ginger and Garlic.
Fusion of Flavors
This soup seizes the comforting flavors of the South and amalgamates them with the rich spice notes quintessential to West African cuisine. Water spinach, also known as Kangkong or Ipo-ipo in various parts of Asia, is an especially popular leafy green in Nigeria. It lends a vibrant freshness to the soup, harmonizing seamlessly with the fiery ginger, the savory garlic, and the gentle sweetness of the fresh fruit. The addition of soy sauce, fish sauce, and red chilies tickle the taste buds with umami and heat, rounding out the flavor profile.
Nourishment in a Bowl
Apart from tasting absolutely delightful, this Water Spinach Soup with Ginger and Garlic is brimming with health benefits. Water spinach is a great source of vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Garlic and ginger, two staple ingredients in a vast number of healthy recipes, are renowned for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, their warming properties promote digestion and detoxification, making this soup a wonderful accompaniment to a meal or a tasty standalone light lunch or supper.
For those keen on experiencing a culinary journey similar to this dish, Nigerian Afang soup and Thai Vegetable Soup bear commonalities in their rich, herbed broths, infused with a medley of flavors and textures. Furthermore, if you’re planning an awe-inspiring, multi-course spread, this soup pairs exceptionally with Southern Cornbread or a hearty serving of African Chicken Peanut Stew.
No matter the occasion, or even a modest dinner at home with your loved ones, the Water Spinach Soup with Ginger and Garlic never fails to impress. Its vivacious blend of flavors gives it a universal appeal, bringing a delectable piece of the Afro-Southern fusion kitchen right to your dining table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 bunches of water spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 inches of fresh ginger, sliced
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper
- 2 red chilies, sliced (optional)
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 2 cups of sliced fresh fruit (pineapple, apple, or pear)
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the water spinach thoroughly and chopping them. Prepare the garlic by mincing, fresh ginger by slicing, and fresh fruit by slicing. Also, slice the red chilies if you’re using them.
Step Two
Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger to the pot and sauté until they become aromatic and the garlic turns golden brown.
Step Three
Next, pour in the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chopped water spinach and sliced fresh fruit to the pot.
Step Four
Season the soup with soy sauce, fish sauce, and salt to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the water spinach is tender.
Step Five
Finally, add the white pepper and red chilies (if you’re using them) to the soup. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon. Stir well and let it simmer for a couple more minutes.
Step Six
After all the ingredients are well incorporated, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once satisfied with the taste, turn off the heat.
Step Seven
Serve the soup hot. Enjoy your Water Spinach Soup with Ginger and Garlic as a comforting meal on its own or as an appetizer.
