Quick & Flavorful Tofu Vegetable Soup

Simple Tahu Soup Recipe

This delightful and straightforward Indonesian dish, Sop Tahu Sederhana, brings together tender tofu, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices in a comforting broth. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe combines ease with flavorful ingredients. Let’s dive into the preparation of this simple yet satisfying soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 3 blocks of firm tofu, diced
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 chicken sausages, sliced diagonally
• 3 tablespoons cooked macaroni
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped

For the Spice Blend:

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

For the Soup Seasonings:

• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 clove
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise

For Garnishing:

• 1 boiled egg, thinly sliced
• Whole bird’s eye chilies, to taste
• Lime wedges
• Fried shallots

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Blend:

   • In a hot pan with a little oil, sauté the finely chopped garlic and shallots until they are aromatic and golden brown. Add black pepper, sugar, salt, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir well to combine.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Tofu:

   • To the same pan, add the diced tofu, sliced carrots, chicken sausages, and cooked macaroni. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the tofu is slightly golden and the vegetables start to soften. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Soup Base:

   • In a separate pot, bring an adequate amount of water to a boil. Add the sautéed mixture of tofu, vegetables, and sausages to the boiling water. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

4. Season the Soup:

   • Once the soup has started boiling, add the chopped cabbage, whole bird’s eye chilies, cardamom pods, clove, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Cook until the cabbage is tender but still crisp. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar if needed.

5. Finish and Garnish:

   • Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped celery and scallions. Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve the soup hot with slices of boiled egg on top, garnished with lime wedges, and a sprinkle of fried shallots.

6. Serve:

   • Enjoy your Sop Tahu Sederhana with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add extra bird’s eye chilies and lime according to your taste preferences!

This simple tofu soup is not only quick to make but also perfect for a light and nutritious meal. Its fragrant spices and fresh ingredients make it a beloved choice for any day of the week. Enjoy!