| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 153 | 8g | 5g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 2g | 0.25g |
If there’s one thing that I continuously return to in my culinary journey, it’s the harmonization of unparalleled flavors that respect both my Japanese heritage and diverse Pacific Northwest upbringing. In this vein, a recipe that stands out for me and encapsulates my dual heritage perfectly is the Spiced Spine Gourd Soup.
The Cross-Cultural Comfort of Soup
There is something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of soup. In Japan, soup is a staple part of any meal, offering sustenance and warmth even in the coldest winters. The Spiced Spine Gourd Soup is no different in this sense. However, it carries a unique twist – whispering stories of the Pacific Northwest through its audacious use of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, clove, turmeric, and a little touch of red chili powder.
The Twist of Gourmet and Health
This creative blend of ingredients not only gives the soup a vibrant and delicious flavor profile but also a wealth of health benefits. The cinnamon, for example, is known for its antioxidant properties as well as its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Turmeric, another star ingredient, has been celebrated for centuries in Eastern medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. And let’s not forget about the spine gourds, providing a generous dose of vitamins and minerals.
Paying tribute to my heritage, this soup is an homage to Asian-style broths and would sit nicely alongside any traditional Japanese or Asian themed meals. Accentuating its versatility, the Spiced Spine Gourd Soup also pairs well with more Western-influenced dishes, perhaps as an inventive appetizer before a roast chicken or a succulent piece of salmon. It’s an adventurous dish that dares to embrace cross-cultural possibilities, underpinning precisely why I revisited this recipe time and time again.
Allow me to invite you on this culinary journey, to bask in the joy that the Spiced Spine Gourd Soup brings. Seamlessly blending health benefits, universal comfort, and culinary creativity, it is undeniably a soup that warms the soul.
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium Spine Gourds
- 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece Ginger, minced
- 2 medium Apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Plus 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
First, slice the spine gourds in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Using a peeler remove the skin of the gourds and then cut them into small cubes.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, stir and cook until it’s fragrant. This should take about a minute.
Step Four
Next, add the diced apple, cubed spine gourds, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric, and red chili powder to the pot. Stir to mix well with other ingredients.
Step Five
Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Simmer until the gourds and apples are tender, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Step Six
Once the gourds and apples are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. You can also carefully transfer the soup to a blender to puree then return it to the pot.
Step Seven
After pureeing, stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm on low heat for a few more minutes.
Step Eight
Your spiced spine gourd soup is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a splash of heavy cream or a sprig of fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup!
