Northeastern Chinese Tomato Soup

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Portuguese Sopa de tomate alentejana is infused with Northeastern Chinese flavors. The original dish is typically made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. However, in this Northeastern Chinese version, we incorporate Chinese spices such as ginger, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns to add depth and complexity to the soup. Additionally, we use Chinese vinegar and soy sauce to enhance the umami flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Sopa de tomate alentejana, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 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 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 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, 10g
• 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, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth, Chinese black vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. 4.
   Remove the star anise and Sichuan peppercorns from the soup. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
6. 6.
   Serve the Northeastern Chinese Tomato Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute.
• Chinese black vinegar — This vinegar adds a unique tangy flavor to the soup. If you can't find Chinese black vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or steamed rice for a more substantial meal.
• Garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce or vinegar for a tangier soup.
• Make a larger batch of the soup and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal in the future.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese Tomato Soup as a starter or a main course. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil for an attractive presentation. Serve it in individual bowls or in a large soup tureen for a family-style meal.