Mustard Greens, Tofu, and Meatball Soup (芥菜豆腐肉丸湯)
芥菜豆腐肉丸湯, or Mustard Greens, Tofu, and Meatball Soup, is a classic Chinese soup known for its comforting and hearty qualities. This soup combines the peppery taste of mustard greens, the softness of tofu, and the savoriness of meatballs in a clear, delicious broth. It's perfect for warming up during colder months or as a nutritious meal any time of the year. Here's a recipe for you to make this wholesome soup at home.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 300 g ground pork or chicken
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 block of firm tofu cut into cubes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups mustard greens chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a few drops of sesame oil for flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, mix together ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, chopped green onion, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a teaspoon.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling water.
- Cook until they float to the top and are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth and additional water to a boil.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add Tofu and Mustard Greens:
- Add the tofu cubes and chopped mustard greens to the pot.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the greens are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
Add the Meatballs:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Season:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, add a few drops of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of meatballs, tofu, and greens.
- Serve hot as a comforting meal.