Mustard green soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that's packed with nutrients. This traditional recipe makes use of pork spareribs simmered until tender, then combined with the slightly spicy and bitter taste of mustard greens. The addition of lime, jalapenos, and fish sauce adds depth and a bit of a kick to the soup. It's a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any time of the year.
Mustard greens might not be a common ingredient in everyone's kitchen, but they're a staple in many Asian cuisines. They're leafy vegetables with a slightly bitter and peppery flavor, and they're packed with vitamins and minerals. In this recipe, they add a unique flavor and hearty texture. Fish sauce, another key ingredient, can be found in the Asian aisle of most supermarkets. It adds a salty, umami flavor that deepens the taste of the soup. Remember to select pork spareribs with a good ratio of meat to bone for the best flavor.
Mustard Green Soup Ingredients
Pork spareribs: They add richness and depth to the soup. The bones contribute to a flavorful broth, while the meat offers a hearty bite.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor that balances the bitterness of the mustard greens.
Garlic: Its pungent flavor enhances the soup's overall taste.
Chicken broth: Serves as the base of the soup, making it richer and more flavorful.
Mustard greens: They give the soup its distinctive flavor and a dose of healthy nutrients.
Lime: Its sour taste brightens up the flavors of the soup.
Jalapeño peppers: They add a hint of spiciness to the dish.
Fish sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor to the soup.
Fresh cilantro: Its fresh and citrusy flavor complements the other ingredients.
One reader, Joshuah Hendrix says:
This mustard green soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The combination of pork spareribs and mustard greens creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The broth is so flavorful, and the addition of lime and jalapeños gives it a nice kick. It's a must-try!
Key Techniques for Preparing Mustard Green Soup
How to simmer spareribs: Simmer the spareribs with water, onion, and garlic until the meat easily falls off the bones, which takes about 2 hours.
How to remove bones from spareribs: After simmering, remove the bones from the spareribs and return the meat to the broth.
How to stir in mustard greens: Add the mustard greens to the boiling broth and stir them in, allowing them to cook for about 5 minutes.
How to season with salt: After adding the cilantro, season the soup with salt to taste before serving.
How To Make Mustard Green Soup
Enjoy a filling bowl of mustard green soup to keep warm on cold days! It’s loaded with healthy mustard greens, pork spareribs and more for a heartier meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6cupswater
- 1lbpork spareribs
- 1medium onion,halved, thinly sliced, divided
- 6garlic cloves,sliced, divided
- 32ozchicken broth,(1 container)
- 2bunchesmustard greens,stemmed, chopped
- 1lime,juiced
- 3jalapeno peppers,sliced
- 2½tbspfish sauce
- 1bunchfresh cilantro,chopped
- salt,to taste
Instructions
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Combine the water, spareribs, ½ of the onion, and 3 cloves of garlic in a pot over high heat.
-
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2 hours until the meat easily falls off the bones.
-
Remove the bones from the spareribs, then return meat to the broth. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
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Stir in mustard greens, lime juice, jalapenos, fish sauce, and remaining onion and garlic. Boil for 5 minutes.
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Stir in the cilantro and season with salt. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 435.33kcal
- Fat: 29.55g
- Saturated Fat: 9.30g
- Trans Fat: 0.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.02g
- Carbohydrates: 16.59g
- Fiber: 2.50g
- Sugar: 6.38g
- Protein: 25.64g
- Cholesterol: 97.52mg
- Sodium: 1870.14mg
- Calcium: 99.81mg
- Potassium: 806.01mg
- Iron: 2.50mg
- Vitamin A: 84.70µg
- Vitamin C: 43.58mg
Crucial Technique for Enhancing Mustard Green Soup Flavor
When preparing the mustard greens, make sure to wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, pat them dry before chopping. This will ensure that your soup has a clean, fresh taste. Additionally, when adding the lime juice, make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process. This will help to preserve the bright, tangy flavor of the lime, which can be lost if it's cooked for too long.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Soup
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before you start cooking. This will help you work more efficiently.
Multitask: While the spareribs are simmering, use that time to prepare the other ingredients or clean up the kitchen. This will help save time and make the cooking process more organized.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut mustard greens and pre-minced garlic to save time on prep work.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.
Plan ahead: Read through the entire recipe before starting to understand the steps and plan your cooking process accordingly.
Substitute Ingredients For Mustard Green Soup Recipe
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add a rich and savory flavor to the soup, similar to the depth provided by water.
pork spareribs - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs can provide a similar meaty texture and flavor to the soup.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be a suitable replacement, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
mustard greens - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for mustard greens, offering a similar texture and earthy flavor.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to lime.
jalapeño peppers - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute, providing a similar level of heat and flavor.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory and umami flavor to the soup, similar to fish sauce.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can offer a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup.
salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a substitute for salt, adding a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
Presenting Mustard Green Soup for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the broth: Create a rich and flavorful broth by simmering the pork spareribs, onion, and garlic for at least 2 hours. This slow cooking process will infuse the broth with deep, savory flavors, setting the stage for an exquisite soup.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the soup by sprinkling a generous amount of fresh cilantro on top. The vibrant green hues will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful herbal aroma.
Balance the flavors: Achieve a harmonious balance of flavors by incorporating the tangy lime juice, spicy jalapeños, and umami-rich fish sauce. These elements will add complexity and depth to the soup, tantalizing the taste buds of the discerning culinary professionals.
Highlight the mustard greens: Showcase the vibrant mustard greens as the star ingredient of the soup. Ensure they are cooked to perfection, retaining their bright green color and crisp texture, to demonstrate your mastery in handling fresh, seasonal produce.
Present in elegant serving vessels: Serve the mustard green soup in exquisite, carefully chosen vessels that complement the sophistication of the dish. The presentation should exude refinement and attention to detail, reflecting the standards of a Michelin-starred dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mustard Green Soup
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Stock pot: A large, deep pot used for making soups, stocks, and stews.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used for straining liquids and separating solids from liquids.
Citrus juicer: A tool designed for efficiently extracting juice from citrus fruits.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Tongs: Used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate foods.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
Kitchen shears: Scissors designed for kitchen use, suitable for cutting herbs, meat, and other food items.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving various dishes.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Mustard Green Soup
Allow the mustard green soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Divide the cooled soup into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This will allow you to thaw only what you need for future meals.
- Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen inventory.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and easy storage.
Mustard green soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight or place the container in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
When reheating the thawed soup, stir well and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Adjust the seasoning with salt, lime juice, or fish sauce if needed, as flavors may slightly diminish after freezing.
If you find the mustard greens have lost some of their vibrant color or texture after freezing, you can add a handful of freshly chopped greens when reheating the soup to restore its visual appeal and nutritional value.
How To Reheat Leftover Mustard Green Soup
Reheat the mustard green soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without overcooking the mustard greens or making them mushy.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the mustard green soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the mustard greens to become overcooked and lose their texture.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use an immersion blender to puree the leftover mustard green soup until smooth. This will create a more uniform consistency and allow the soup to heat more evenly when reheated. Once pureed, reheat the soup in a pot on the stove or in the microwave as described above.
If you find that the leftover mustard green soup has thickened after being refrigerated, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water while reheating. This will help to restore the original consistency of the soup and make it more enjoyable to eat.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover mustard green soup, garnish it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, or thinly sliced jalapeño peppers before serving. These bright and zesty flavors will help to liven up the soup and make it taste like a brand new dish.
Interesting Trivia About Mustard Green Soup
Mustard green soup is a traditional Vietnamese dish known as Canh Cai Be Xanh. It is a popular comfort food in Vietnamese cuisine and is often enjoyed with steamed rice.
Is Making Mustard Green Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This mustard green soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like pork spareribs, mustard greens, and basic seasonings makes it budget-friendly. The flavor and nutritional value it offers make it a great choice for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it an economical option. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Mustard Green Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mustard green soup recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits. The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as mustard greens, onions, and garlic, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Mustard greens, in particular, are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which support bone health, immune function, and skin health. The recipe also includes lean protein from the pork spareribs, which can help maintain and build muscle mass.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of pork spareribs or replace them with a leaner protein source, such as chicken or tofu, to lower the overall fat content of the dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content of the soup, as the recipe already includes fish sauce, which is high in sodium.
- Increase the amount of mustard greens and other vegetables in the recipe to boost the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Limit the number of jalapeño peppers used or remove the seeds to reduce the spiciness and make the soup more accessible to a wider range of people.
By incorporating more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and leafy greens, you can enhance the nutritional value of the soup without compromising its taste. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs and spices, like ginger, turmeric, or thyme, can add depth to the flavor profile while providing additional health benefits. To make the soup more filling and satisfying, consider adding whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, which will also increase the fiber content and provide slow-releasing carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Editor's Take on the Mustard Green Soup Recipe
This mustard green soup recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender pork spareribs add a rich and savory depth to the broth, while the mustard greens bring a pleasant bitterness. The jalapeños and lime juice provide a refreshing kick, and the cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. The use of fish sauce enhances the umami profile of the soup. Overall, this recipe showcases a harmonious blend of ingredients that will surely tantalize the taste buds.
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Why trust this Mustard Green Soup Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients such as pork spareribs, mustard greens, and chicken broth, ensuring a flavorful and nutritious soup. The combination of lime juice, jalapeño peppers, and fish sauce adds a unique and vibrant taste. The use of fresh cilantro enhances the aroma and freshness of the dish. The detailed cooking process and the inclusion of garlic and onion create a rich and savory broth. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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