A step-by-step guide to making Manchow Soup, a popular Indo-Chinese soup with vegetables and crunchy fried noodles:
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, cabbage, etc.), finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bell peppers (capsicum), finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked and peeled shrimp (optional)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Fried Noodles:
- 1 cup noodles (hakka noodles or any thin noodles)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fried Noodles:
- Boil the noodles until they are just cooked. Drain and spread them on a tray to cool and dry.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Carefully add a small portion of the boiled noodles to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried noodles with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Protein (Optional):
- Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- If using chicken or shrimp, add them at this point and sauté until they are cooked through.
4. Season the Soup:
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce to the pot. Mix well to coat the vegetables and protein.
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, soy sauce, and chili sauce according to your preference.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the hot Manchow soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Break the fried noodles into smaller pieces and place a handful on top of each bowl of soup.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of vegetables and protein according to your preference.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and shrimp.
- To enhance the flavor, you can add a touch of sesame oil to the soup before serving.
- Manchow Soup is known for its crunchy texture, so the fried noodles are a must. However, you can also add crispy fried wonton strips or fried tortilla strips as an alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less chili sauce and green chilies.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty bowl of Manchow Soup with the crispy fried noodles on top!