Zucchini and Tofu Clear Soup
Gentle and Comforting Zucchini and Tofu Clear Soup
Make a soothing and simple soup with zucchini and tofu! This recipe creates a light yet satisfying soup that’s easy on the stomach, perfect for any meal. The combination of tender zucchini and soft tofu, enriched with a hint of savory nuttiness from roasted soybean powder, makes this a truly comforting dish. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for those looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-digest meal.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 medium zucchini
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 700ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Tofu: Sprinkle 3-4 pinches of salt over the block of tofu and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture and season it lightly. Afterward, gently press out any excess water with a paper towel. Mash the tofu using a fork or spoon until it’s coarsely broken down; it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth.
Step 2
Slice the Zucchini: Wash the half zucchini thoroughly, trim off the ends, and slice it diagonally into about 0.5cm thick pieces. Then, julienne these slices into thin strips, approximately 0.3cm wide. This slicing method ensures a tender texture and blends well into the soup.
Step 3
Roast Soybean Powder and Fish Sauce: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the roasted soybean powder and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant. This step removes any raw flavor and enhances its nutty aroma. Once the soybean powder is lightly roasted, add the fish sauce to one side of the pan and let it caramelize slightly on the pan’s bottom for added depth of flavor. (If fish sauce is unavailable, soy sauce can be used. In this case, skip the caramelizing step and simply toast it with the soybean powder.)
Step 4
Boil Broth and Add Zucchini: Transfer the roasted soybean powder and fish sauce mixture to a pot. Pour in 700ml of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling vigorously, add the prepared julienned zucchini and bring it back to a boil.
Step 5
Add Tofu, Season, and Serve: When the zucchini floats and the soup has boiled for a moment, add the mashed tofu. Stir in the 1/3 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp minced garlic to season the soup. Adjust the saltiness further if needed. Let the soup simmer for another minute to allow all the flavors to meld together. Your comforting Zucchini and Tofu Clear Soup is now ready to be enjoyed warm!
