Red Snapper Soup (SOP Ikan Kakap) – A Delightful Toddler-Friendly Meal (1 year+)
Indulge your little one with a nutritious and flavorful Red Snapper Soup, a perfect meal designed to cater to the taste buds and nutritional needs of toddlers aged one year and older. This recipe is crafted with love, combining tender fish fillets with a medley of vegetables and fragrant spices, ensuring a wholesome and delightful eating experience.
Ingredients
- 1 piece red snapper fillet (about the size of half a palm), cut into pieces
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/2 small potato, diced
- 1/4 stalk green onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, crushed
- 1/2 pinky-sized piece of cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 1 clove garlic
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Blend or pound the garlic into a fine paste.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic paste and sliced shallot until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
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Add Water:
- Pour in an adequate amount of water to create the soup base. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Soup:
- Add the red snapper fillet pieces, diced carrot, diced potato, diced tomato, crushed ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until all the vegetables are tender and the fish is cooked through.
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Season the Soup:
- Add salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your toddler’s palate. Continue to simmer until all the ingredients are perfectly cooked and flavors are well combined.
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Final Touches:
- Stir in the sliced green onion (if using) and chopped celery. Let the soup cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
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Add the Olive Oil:
- Once the soup has cooled a bit, stir in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This will enhance the flavor and add a dose of healthy fats.
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Serve:
- Serve the red snapper soup warm. It’s now ready to be enjoyed by your little one, providing a nutritious and delicious meal that’s gentle on their developing system.
Nutritional Benefits
This Red Snapper Soup is packed with essential nutrients vital for your toddler’s growth and development:
- Red Snapper: High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development and overall growth.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, promoting good vision and immune function.
- Tomatoes: Provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and support for healthy skin.
- Potatoes: A good source of carbohydrates, offering energy for active toddlers.
- Ginger and Spices: Aid digestion and enhance the flavor without being overwhelming.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Supplies healthy fats essential for brain development.
Tips for Parents
- Customization: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on what’s in season or your toddler’s preferences.
- Texture: Ensure the vegetables are cooked until soft to make them easier for young children to eat.
- Allergies: Always check for potential allergies, especially with spices, and introduce new ingredients gradually.
This Red Snapper Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl of love and care, designed to nurture your child’s health and happiness. Enjoy creating this delightful dish, and watch your toddler savor each nutritious spoonful.