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Kuaci and Pork Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup kuaci (dried sunflower seeds)
- 6 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, onion, and ginger to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the water, kuaci, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.

5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced green onions.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 29g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with pork loin or pork belly.
- Kuaci can be substituted with pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot starch or potato starch.

Variations:
- Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bok choy to the soup.
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork.
- Add noodles to make it a noodle soup.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the kuaci in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the soup to soften them.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove any excess fat from the surface of the soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt or black pepper.

Storage instructions:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.

Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for longer to reduce the liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Kuaci is a popular snack in Southeast Asia and is often eaten roasted or salted.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, nutty, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.

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Region: Indonesian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Umami