Thukpa is a soul-warming Indo-Tibetan noodle soup brimming with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This aromatic dish combines toothsome noodles with a richly seasoned broth, generously laden with an assortment of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and greens. It often features shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and is delicately spiced with ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, Thukpa offers a comforting and satisfying culinary experience, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a bowl of hearty goodness.
Here’s a detailed recipe for preparing Thukpa:
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup spinach or bok choy, chopped
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
For the Noodles and Garnish:
- 250g Thukpa or egg noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, and spinach or bok choy. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Seasoning the Soup:
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Season the broth with salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Adjust the spices according to your taste.
- Cooking the Noodles:
- In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assembling the Thukpa:
- If using shredded chicken, add it to the soup base and let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Place a portion of cooked noodles in serving bowls.
- Pouring the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, making sure to include a generous amount of vegetables and broth.
- Garnishing:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup before eating.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and protein according to your preference. Tofu or shrimp can also be great alternatives to chicken.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste buds. If you prefer it spicier, increase the chili powder or add fresh chili peppers.
- You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of vinegar for an extra flavor kick.
Enjoy your homemade Thukpa! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for colder days or when you’re craving a nourishing soup.
