Cream of Mushroom Soup

 

Simple homemade creamy mushroom soup made from scratch. Taste better than canned ones if I may say so myself. Dear Hubby exclaimed. "GOOD!" after slurping in a mouthful. My Daughter G agreed but complained  there were too much mushroom pieces getting in the way. But that's how I like it, mushroom soup with lots of chunky goodness.  As long as I have all the ingredients in  my pantry to make this soup I will not be opening that can of mushroom soup in a long while, unless of course laziness calls for it. Haha!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

(serves 2-3 persons)

Ingredients

• 6 larges pieces of fresh shitake mushrooms (add more or less if preferred)
• 1 tbs butter
• 1 tbs cooking oil 
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 heaped tablespoons all-purpose flour (add more if a thicker consistency is preferred)
• 2-3 cups chicken broth (or just use water and add chicken stock cube)
• 1/2  cup light cream (add more if you like richer soup)
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped fresh parsley / dried parsley or chives to garnish

Directions

1. Slice the mushroom caps and the stalks,  discarding the tough ends.
2. Melt the butter in a heavy-based pan and cook the leek and garlic stirring, for 1 minute, or until the leek is soft. Add the mushroom. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mushroom just softens. Add flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
3. Remove from the heat and add the stock, stirring continuously. Return to the heat and bring to the boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Whisk the cream into the soup, then reheat gently, stirring. Do not allow the soup to boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with the chopped parsley or chives.

Chinese Soup - Watercress & Pork Ribs Soup

Watercress which looks like a weed is aslo regarded as one in some regions, and to other regions a vegetable or herb. Watercress  has a high content of iron, folic acic, Vitamin A and C . It is also a source of  phytochemicals and antioxdants and is used as a diuretic, an expectorant, disgestive aid and even a stimulant.

Due to its high content in iodine, it is very beneficially for hypothyroidism sufferers. It also appears to have anti cancer properties and  is  believed to help defend against lung cancer.

If you are on medication it is advised  that you refrain from consuming watercress or consult your doctor first, as it  is known to have an effect in altering drug metabolism for individuals on certain medications.

This watercress soup is popular in many Chinese  households and can be found accompanying rice dishes in kopitiams (coffeeshops).  The watercress stems can be quite tough, and some would prefer the watercress to be boiled until soft and mushy but I like it just right, not too soft nor too green. It really depends on your own preference.

Ingredients:

about 1 kg Pork Ribs

8-10 Red dates

1 Honey date

a bunch Watercress
about 3 litres of water


How to cook:
Put everything except watercress in a pot. Boil gently for 1 1/2 hours, adding in the watercress during the last 30 minutes cooking time. Season with salt to taste.

Chinese Soup - Snow Fungus & Red Dates Chicken Soup

Snow fungus or silver ear fungus or literally called "white wood ear" in Chinese or in it's scientific name  Tremella Fuciformis is a species of fungus which is light yellowish white in colour, almost translucent and gelatinous & wobbly looking.  It is widely used in Chinese cooking and medicine. In medicine it is used to enhance body liquids, to cure dry coughs, heart palpitations and also for the nervous system. It is also used to help improve skin tone. Studies have found that it also demonstrates anti-tumor activity, lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol), protects the liver, and fights inflammation.

Here's my take on a tasty nutritious soup  incorporating snow fungus for its many health benefits.

Dried Snow Fungus

Ingredients:

6 Cups or 1 1/2 litre Chicken Broth

8-10 Red Dates

White Fungus

Dried Conch Flesh

Salt to taste

How to cook:

Dried Conch





1) Soak dried fungus & dried conch till soften.

2) Put all ingredients into a pot and boil gently for 1 hour.

Add salt to taste. Done.

Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Another indispensable soup in the Chinese household. Winter melon soup is believed to be cooling for the body to counteract heatiness. This soup is refreshing and mildly sweet and very fragrant, is especially good consumed on hot humid days and is also beneficial for anyone who has lately taken in too much fried fatty food in their diet.

Ingredients:

about 1 kg Pork Bones

about 1 kg wintermelon

2 dried scallops

10 red dates

salt to taste

Method:

Remove skin and spongy seedy center of winter melon. Cut to large chunks. Place all ingredients in a large pot. and add enough water to fill pot about 3 litres. Boil for 1 1/2 hours on low heat. Every now and then, skim off any scum that surfaces to keep soup clear. 

Chinese Soup - Lotus Root Soup

Soup is always welcomed in my little household. It's comforting for cold wet days and nourishing for sick days.  It washes food down and it fills you up. Best thing is it's so easy to prepare! This Lotus Root Soup is one of my family's favorite.

Lotus Root Soup Recipe 

about 1 kg Pork Rib Bones

Lotus Root

8-10 Red Dates

1 Honey Date

1 piece Dried Cuttlefish

adequate water to fill pot

salt to taste

Method:
Dump everything in a pot. Add adequate water to cover ingredients. Boil away in low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Season with salt to your taste. Slurrrpps!
Note: During the first half hour of boiling, skim off scum floating on top so soup stays clear.