Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Chinese dates (jujubes), pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the chopped Chinese dates and raw cashew nuts to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Add salt, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to the pot and stir well.
4. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the Chinese dates and cashew nuts are soft.
5. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Using a blender or food processor, puree the soup until smooth.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
8. Return the soup to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
9. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
10. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
11. Serve the soup hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 190
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chinese dates can be substituted with regular dates or dried figs.
- Raw cashew nuts can be substituted with almonds or peanuts.
- Honey can be substituted with agave nectar or maple syrup.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
Variations:
- Add diced chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
- Add sliced shiitake mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Add a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to pit the Chinese dates before adding them to the soup.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to your taste preference.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnished with thinly sliced green onions.
Garnishes:
Thinly sliced green onions
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Grilled chicken or tofu
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed dumplings
- Egg rolls
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, mix more cornstarch and cold water and add it to the soup, stirring constantly until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the soup.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Chinese date and cashew nut soup is a traditional Chinese dish that is believed to have originated in the northern regions of China. Chinese dates, also known as jujubes, are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine and are believed to have medicinal properties.
Flavor profiles:
This soup has a sweet and nutty flavor, with a hint of tanginess from the rice vinegar and soy sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a light and healthy appetizer or as a main course with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
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Region: Chinese