Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
202 | 11g | 8g | 22g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
7g | 2g | 6g | 0.78g |
A Taste of the Tropics in a Bowl
I might originate from the land of sultry salsa and vibrant flamenco, but I’ve always been drawn by the whispering call of exotic cuisines hailing from far-fetched corners of the world. One such dish that captivated not only my taste buds but my entire culinary conscience is the Spicy Spiny Amaranth Soup. The moment I tried this soup, I instantly fell in love with it, and I’m thrilled to share this passion in a bowl with you.
Everything from aroma to texture speaks of a harmonious blend of Thai and Caribbean flavors. It mirrors the infectious rhythm of my dance floor moves—bold yet graceful, elegant yet daring.
Dancing with Flavors
Picture taking a sip of the Spicy Spiny Amaranth Soup. A punch of heat from the Thai chilies gives a fiery opening act before they yield to the soothing allure of coconut milk. As you delve deeper, the trove of ripe papaya, pineapple, and mango brings a tropical sweetness, countering the chili’s temerity. Meanwhile, a gust of fresh lime breathes life into the dance ensemble, its citrusy note cutting through the composition. The undercurrents of ginger and garlic tie the soup together with their warm, aromatic profiles.
This recipe is a distant relation to the Caribbean Pepper pot and shares a kinship with Thai Tom Kha. It could work wonderfully as a precursor to a main dish like Arroz Con Pollo or even a Spanish paella.
More than Just a Soup
The health benefits of the Spicy Spiny Amaranth Soup are an exciting bonus. #Amaranth, the star of this dish, is a super grain hailed for its abundant nutrients. It is an excellent source of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants. It complements the health-packed tropical fruits, highlighting the benefits of vitamin C from the fruits, all embraced by the heart-warming comfort of the chicken broth.
What makes this soup genuinely captivating is the connection it has with my heritage and my escapades. It’s a magnetic mix of fire and grace, mirroring my dance studio’s spirit with an intense flamenco performance igniting in one corner and a soothing salsa unfolding in another. Each taste—each ingredient, dances across your palate much like the dance forms I teach, making the Spicy Spiny Amaranth Soup not just a dish but a dance in itself.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of Spiny Amaranth leaves, chopped
- 2 cups of Chicken broth
- 1 cup of Coconut milk
- 2 Thai chillies, finely chopped
- 1 cup of diced Papaya
- 1 cup of diced Pineapple
- 1/2 cup of diced Mango
- 2 tbsp of Lime juice
- 1 tsp of Ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of Olive oil
- Salt, as per taste
- 1 tsp of Cayenne pepper
- 6 Sprigs of fresh Cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients for a minute or two until they are fragrant.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped Thai chillies to the pot and sauté for another minute. Be careful not to touch your eyes after handling the chillies.
Step Three
Next, add the chopped Spiny Amaranth leaves and stir well. Sauté the leaves until they start to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
Now you can add the chicken broth, coconut milk, diced papaya, diced pineapple, and diced mango to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
Step Five
Let the soup come to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help all the flavours meld together.
Step Six
Add the lime juice, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt as per your taste. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Seven
Check the seasoning and adjust if needed. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, remove the soup from the heat.
Step Eight
Before serving, garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh cilantro. This Spicy Spiny Amaranth Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!