| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 219 | 9.3g | 1.3g | 17g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 12g | 1.7g |
Today, I want to share with you a recipe close to my heart, the Pak Choy Vegan Soup. As someone rooted in Southern cooking traditions, I certainly have a fondness for the hearty, warm, and savory. Still, every now and then, my palate craves for something light, refreshing, and abundant in nutrients—a fitting ode to my coastal roots and love for vibrant, fresh produce.
Diving Into Freshness: Pak Choy Vegan Soup
This soup stands out with its tantalizing mix of textures, aromatics, and flavours. The use of pak choy, a type of Chinese cabbage known for its crisp texture and mild, almost sweet taste, lends a sense of refreshing lightness to the dish. Looking at its vibrant green leaves floating atop a warm broth never fails to remind me of the vast Atlantic Ocean with its waves dancing under the Charleston sun—a perfect scenery to gaze at after an invigorating surf.
The other ingredients used add depth to the soup’s flavor profile while injecting a myriad of health benefits. Tofu and mushrooms come into play, infusing the dish with plant-based proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals. Both are also rich in antioxidants, which help detoxify the body and fight inflammation. Fresh fruits, such as apple or pear, introduce a hint of sweetness that brilliantly complements the heat from the ginger and the pungency of garlic.
A Bowl that Bridges Cultures
A sip of the Pak Choy Vegan Soup instantly takes me on a mystic journey from the charm-filled streets of Charleston to the bustling food markets of Beijing. If you’re familiar with traditional Asian broths, you might find this recipe similar to them, with refreshing yet hearty undertones that warm the soul.
Staying true to my Southern roots, I often pair this soup with a side of my iconic biscuits—a bite of warmth and flakiness to alternate with the crisp, clear brew. It’s a fusion of flavors that can only be described as a delightful dance of cultures in the mouth.
Experience the magic of the Pak Choy Vegan Soup. It’s a culinary revelation that harmoniously blends my love for Southern cooking and coastal freshness, while opening the door to the enchanting world of Asian delights.
For those eager to embark on their own soup making journey, I highly recommend checking out this recipe as well. It’s another favorite of mine that you might enjoy too.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large bunch of pak choy, around 1 pound
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced tofu
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped fresh fruit of your choice (such as apple or pear)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Pour the 6 cups of vegetable broth into a large pot and set it to medium heat. Allow it to come to a boil.
Step Two
While waiting for the broth to boil, wash the pak choy thoroughly. Cut off the stem ends and separate the leaves. Set aside.
Step Three
Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic and finely chopped ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic and ginger become fragrant.
Step Four
Add the sliced carrot and mushrooms to the pan. Continue to sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
Once the vegetables are cooked, add them to the pot of boiling vegetable broth. Also add the low-sodium soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Add the diced tofu to the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes so that the tofu absorbs the flavors from the broth.
Step Seven
Add the bell pepper and pak choy to the soup. Let the soup simmer for another few minutes, until the pak choy is tender.
Step Eight
Slice your fruit of choice, such as apple or pear, and add it to the pot. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step Nine
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Step Ten
Serve hot, garnishing each serving with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful and healthy Pak Choy Vegan Soup.
