Oceanic Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

In this Oceanic adaptation of the Polish Zupa grzybowa, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Oceanic cuisine. The original recipe is transformed by replacing traditional Polish ingredients with Oceanic ones. The addition of coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, and lime gives the soup a tropical twist, infusing it with the vibrant flavors of the Pacific. We alse have the original recipe for Zupa grzybowa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or any other variety) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or any other variety)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mushrooms and slice them into thin strips.
2. 2.
   Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Stir in the lemongrass and grated ginger, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Add soy sauce, lime juice, turmeric, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Remove the lemongrass stalk from the soup.
9. 9.
   Serve the Oceanic Mushroom Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release its aromatic oils before adding it to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a small amount of chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back into the pot.

Serving advice

Serve the Oceanic Mushroom Soup as a comforting appetizer or a light main course. Accompany it with crusty bread or steamed rice for a more substantial meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. The vibrant green color of the cilantro and the bright citrusy aroma of the lime will enhance the visual appeal of the dish.