Filipino-style Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

In the original Czech Zeleninová polévka, the soup is typically made with root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and often includes meat or meat-based broth. However, in this Filipino adaptation, we focus on using a variety of fresh vegetables and vegetable stock to create a vegetarian-friendly and lighter version of the soup. We also incorporate Filipino spices and flavors such as fish sauce and calamansi juice to give it a distinct tropical taste. We alse have the original recipe for Zeleninová polévka, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable stock 2 cups (470ml) vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Juice of 1 calamansi (or substitute with lime) Juice of 1 calamansi (or substitute with lime)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the cabbage, carrot, green beans, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the fish sauce and calamansi juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Shred the cabbage finely to ensure it cooks evenly and adds a pleasant texture to the soup.
• Calamansi juice — If you can't find calamansi, you can substitute it with lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.
• Fish sauce — Adjust the amount of fish sauce according to your taste preference, as it can be quite salty. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, you can add tofu or cooked chicken to the soup.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what is in season or your personal preference.
• Serve the soup with steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding sliced chili peppers if desired.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal option.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino-style Vegetable Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, ladle the soup into colorful bowls that complement the vibrant colors of the vegetables. Place a sprig of fresh cilantro on top as a garnish. Serve the soup alongside a plate of steamed rice or a basket of warm crusty bread.