Sayur Bening (Spinach Soup with Cucumber, Tofu, and Tomato)
Sayur bening is a delightful Indonesian soup that showcases fresh vegetables, providing a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of spinach, cucumber, and tofu with aromatic garlic, making it a healthy choice packed with nutrients. Here’s how to prepare this comforting soup that brings together the essence of home-cooked Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (Bayam) | 1 bunch |
| Cucumber (Timun) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tofu | 2 small pieces |
| Tomato | 1 medium-sized |
| Green chilies | 2 pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Flavor enhancer | to taste |
| Water | 4 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing the spinach, cucumber, tomato, and green chilies thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Once cleaned, set them aside for further preparation.
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Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the garlic and cucumber. Cut the tofu into small cubes, and dice the tomato. For the green chilies, slice them at an angle to release their flavors during cooking.
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Boil the Broth: In a large pot, add about four cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Once the water is hot, add the sliced garlic, salt, and flavor enhancer (such as MSG or a vegetarian alternative). Allow this mixture to simmer for a few moments, enabling the garlic to infuse the broth.
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Add the Vegetables: When the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the spinach, cucumber, tofu, diced tomato, and green chilies to the pot. Stir the ingredients gently to combine and ensure that the tofu doesn’t break apart too much. Cook the soup until the spinach wilts and the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
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Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After the vegetables have cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or flavor enhancer to achieve your desired taste.
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Serve Hot: Once the flavors have melded beautifully and the vegetables are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the sayur bening into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional sliced chilies if desired.
Tips for Serving
- Perfect Pairing: This light and refreshing soup pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a nourishing snack.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or green beans for added color and texture.
- Storage: Leftover sayur bening can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful sayur bening, a true representation of Indonesian home cooking that celebrates fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors! This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, making it a must-try in your culinary repertoire.
