Filipino Chinese-style Lentil Soup

Ingredients

In this Filipino Chinese adaptation, we incorporate traditional Asian ingredients and flavors to transform the Czech Čočková polévka into a unique fusion dish. We replace the traditional Czech sausage with Chinese sausage, which adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor. Additionally, we introduce bok choy, ginger, and soy sauce to enhance the Asian profile of the soup. We alse have the original recipe for Čočková polévka, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Chinese sausages, sliced 2 Chinese sausages, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 cups (150g) bok choy, chopped 2 cups (150g) bok choy, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fried shallots and fresh cilantro for garnish Fried shallots and fresh cilantro for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced Chinese sausages and cook until lightly browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Add the bok choy and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with fried shallots and fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Chinese sausage — If Chinese sausage is not available, you can substitute it with regular sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Bok choy — Separate the leaves from the stems and add the stems first as they require more cooking time than the leaves.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding the bok choy.
• Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of chili garlic sauce.
• Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Chinese-style Lentil Soup as a comforting main dish. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Garnish each bowl with fried shallots and fresh cilantro to add a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the soup in deep bowls to showcase its rich colors and textures. Arrange the garnishes neatly on top, allowing the fried shallots and fresh cilantro to create an enticing visual contrast. Serve with a side of steamed rice or bread to complete the presentation.