Bruneian-style Dashi Soup

Ingredients

In this Bruneian adaptation of Dashi Soup, we incorporate local ingredients and spices to infuse the traditional Japanese dashi with Bruneian flavors. The addition of belacan, serai, and daun kesum gives the soup a unique aroma and a touch of spiciness, enhancing the overall taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Dashi, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 piece kombu (seaweed) 1 piece kombu (seaweed)
• 1 cup (20g) bonito flakes 1 cup (20g) bonito flakes
• 1 tablespoon belacan (shrimp paste) 1 tablespoon belacan (shrimp paste)
• 2 stalks serai (lemongrass), bruised 2 stalks serai (lemongrass), bruised
• 4 daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) leaves 4 daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) leaves
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 50 kcal / 209 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pot, bring water to a simmer and add the kombu. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   Remove the kombu and add bonito flakes to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Strain the broth to remove the bonito flakes and return it to the pot.
4. 4.
   Add belacan, serai, daun kesum, soy sauce, salt, and sugar to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the aromatics (serai and daun kesum) from the soup before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kombu — Make sure to wipe off any dirt or impurities from the kombu before using it in the broth.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier soup, add cooked seafood such as prawns or fish fillets.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less belacan according to your preference.
• Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like coriander or spring onions for added freshness.
• Serve the Bruneian-style Dashi Soup with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Bruneian-style Dashi Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of bonito flakes and a few fresh Vietnamese mint leaves. The vibrant colors and aromatic herbs will make the dish visually appealing.