Mauritanian-style Sea Urchin Noodle Soup

Ingredients

In the Mauritanian adaptation of Bún cá sứa, the Vietnamese sea urchin noodle soup, we incorporate Mauritanian spices and flavors to create a unique twist. The original dish is known for its Vietnamese flavors, while the Mauritanian version infuses the soup with aromatic spices and herbs commonly used in Mauritanian cuisine. This adaptation aims to bring the essence of Mauritanian culinary traditions to the sea urchin noodle soup. We alse have the original recipe for Bún cá sứa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) sea urchin 500g (1.1 lb) sea urchin
• 1 liter (4 cups) fish stock 1 liter (4 cups) fish stock
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley) for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Pour in the fish stock and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Carefully clean the sea urchin, removing the spines and extracting the roe. Set aside.
6. 6.
   Add the sea urchin roe to the simmering soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. 7.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls and ladle the hot soup over them. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sea Urchin — When cleaning the sea urchin, be careful to avoid the spines. Use gloves or a towel to hold the sea urchin and a spoon to extract the roe. Rinse the roe gently under cold water to remove any debris.

Tips & Tricks

• If sea urchin is not available, you can substitute it with crab or shrimp for a similar seafood flavor.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add more chili powder for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• For a heartier meal, you can add cooked fish or seafood to the soup along with the sea urchin roe.
• Garnish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Serve the soup with Mauritanian bread on the side for dipping.

Serving advice

Serve the Mauritanian-style Sea Urchin Noodle Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of Mauritanian bread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve it in colorful bowls to make the dish visually appealing.