Hubei-style Tomato Soup

Ingredients

In this Hubei-style adaptation, we incorporate the unique flavors and spices of Hubei cuisine, such as Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers, to give the tomato soup a distinct tangy and spicy kick. These additions elevate the dish and create a flavor profile that is characteristic of Hubei cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Domates çorbası, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 dried chili peppers, crushed 2 dried chili peppers, crushed
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the Sichuan peppercorns and crushed dried chili peppers to the pot, and stir-fry for a minute to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, and salt to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Then, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and reheat gently. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Hubei-style Tomato Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan before using to enhance their aroma.
• Dried chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the soup.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer dried chili peppers.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Hubei-style Tomato Soup hot as a comforting appetizer or light meal. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve it in individual bowls or small soup cups to showcase the vibrant red color of the soup.