Thukpa – Tibetian Noodle Soup

Thukpa is a popular Tibetan noodle soup that has become well-known in the Indian subcontinent and Nepal. It is a hearty and flavourful soup that typically includes noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Here’s a basic recipe for vegetable thukpa:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of noodles (you can use egg noodles, rice noodles, or any noodles of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of spinach, chopped
• 4 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or spring onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, cabbage, and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and add the soy sauce, vinegar, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the soup and stir gently to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat up the noodles.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, soy sauce, or vinegar.
9. Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat.
10. Ladle the thukpa into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or spring onions, if desired.
11. Serve the hot and comforting vegetable thukpa as a delicious and nourishing meal.

Note: Feel free to customize your thukpa by adding cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version. You can also adjust the vegetable selection based on your preference and availability.

Enjoy your warm bowl of thukpa, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting and flavorful soup!