Puerto Rican Chinese Style Minestra Spersa

Ingredients

In this Puerto Rican Chinese adaptation of Minestra Spersa, we incorporate elements from Puerto Rican and Chinese cuisines to create a unique flavor profile. The original Italian dish is traditionally made with Italian herbs and ingredients, while our version incorporates Puerto Rican sofrito and Chinese ginger for a fusion twist. Additionally, we use Puerto Rican Chinese noodles instead of the traditional pasta, and include a variety of vegetables commonly found in Puerto Rican and Chinese cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Minestra spersa, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Puerto Rican sofrito 1 tablespoon (15g) Puerto Rican sofrito
• 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger
• 1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
• 1 cup (150g) Puerto Rican Chinese noodles 1 cup (150g) Puerto Rican Chinese noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Stir in the Puerto Rican sofrito and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced carrot, diced bell pepper, and diced zucchini to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the Puerto Rican Chinese noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   Once the soup has simmered, add the cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Puerto Rican Chinese Style Minestra Spersa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puerto Rican sofrito — Puerto Rican sofrito is a flavorful base made with onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs. You can find it in most Latin grocery stores or make your own by blending together the ingredients. It adds a unique taste to the dish.
• Puerto Rican Chinese noodles — These noodles are similar to Chinese egg noodles but with a Puerto Rican twist. If you can't find them, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or any other type of noodles you prefer.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy and rich flavor. Shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the soup.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the pot and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
• To make it more filling, you can add additional protein such as shrimp or tofu.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Chinese Style Minestra Spersa as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. It can also be accompanied by a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup in deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and noodles.