Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of balo (a type of pasta)
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add the balo pasta to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until it is smooth.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for sautéing
- Boiling for cooking the soup
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Balo pasta can be substituted with any other small pasta shape.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water and bouillon cubes.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the soup for extra protein.
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to let the soup cool before blending it to avoid any accidents.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it is heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the soup with a crusty bread or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and soup to the appropriate temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Balo is a type of pasta that is popular in the Philippines.
Flavor profiles:
- This soup is savory and slightly sweet from the tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main course for a light lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Comforting