Zhejiang-style Prežganka Soup

Ingredients

In the original Slovenian Prežganka, the soup is thickened with a roux made from flour and fat. In this Zhejiang-style adaptation, we replace the traditional roux with a prežganka roux made from rice flour and sesame oil. Additionally, we incorporate Zhejiang cuisine's signature ingredients such as soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts to enhance the flavors and textures of the soup. We alse have the original recipe for Prežganka, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 2 tablespoons rice flour 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine to the broth and stir well.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts to the pan and cook until tender.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the rice flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Slowly pour the vegetable mixture into the simmering broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
7. 7.
   Continue to simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Ensure that the rice flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the soup.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a rich and nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the soup.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and Shaoxing wine according to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of rice flour in the prežganka roux.

Serving advice

Serve the Zhejiang-style Prežganka Soup as a comforting appetizer or as a light main course. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.