Palauan Fruit Bat Soup

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) fruit bat meat, cleaned and cut into chunks 2 pounds (900g) fruit bat meat, cleaned and cut into chunks
• 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 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks
• 1 cup (150g) papaya chunks 1 cup (150g) papaya chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the fruit bat meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the turmeric powder and cook for another minute to release its flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bruised lemongrass stalks. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the fruit bat meat is tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks from the pot and discard.
6. 6.
   Stir in the coconut milk, pineapple chunks, and papaya chunks. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Palauan Fruit Bat Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or basil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fruit bat meat — Ensure that the fruit bat meat is thoroughly cleaned and cut into small, manageable chunks before cooking. Remove any excess fat or tough membranes for a more tender result.

Tips & Tricks

• If fruit bat meat is not available, you can substitute it with chicken or pork for a similar flavor profile.
• Adjust the amount of spices and tropical fruits according to your taste preferences.
• For a spicier kick, add a small amount of chili pepper or chili flakes to the soup.
• Serve the soup with steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Palauan Fruit Bat Soup hot as a main course. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Palauan Fruit Bat Soup in individual bowls, ensuring that each serving has a generous amount of fruit bat meat, tropical fruits, and broth. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or basil for an appealing touch of green.