Introduction

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Winter is just around the corner, and there's no better way to beat the chill than with a steaming bowl of something delicious. Asian cuisine is famous for its comforting and flavourful dishes that warm you from the inside out. So, let's dive into six Asian recipes you must try this winter. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Miso Soup with Tofu and Vegetables

miso soup

Why You'll Love It

Miso soup is a Japanese classic that's both soothing and nutritious. Packed with probiotics from fermented miso paste and proteins from tofu, it's a perfect start to any meal or a light dinner on its own.

Ingredients

  • 960 grams water (approx. 4 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons miso paste
  • 250 grams diced tofu (approx. 1 cup)
  • 70 grams sliced mushrooms (approx. 1 cup)
  • 30 grams chopped spinach or wakame seaweed (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, bring the water to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Miso Paste: In a separate bowl, mix the miso paste with a bit of hot broth until it dissolves. Then, add it back into the pot.
  4. Add Tofu and Greens: Gently stir in the diced tofu and chopped spinach or wakame. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Season: Add soy sauce if you like a bit more depth in flavor.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Probiotics: Good for gut health.
  • Low in Calories: A light yet satisfying option.
  • Rich in Protein: Thanks to tofu.

 

Chicken Ginger Congee

congee

Why You'll Love It

Congee is a rice porridge that's a staple in many Asian countries. This comforting bowl is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Ingredients

  • 190 grams jasmine rice (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1,920 grams water or chicken broth (approx. 8 cups)
  • 140 grams shredded cooked chicken (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, julienned
  • Salt to taste
  • Green onions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a large pot, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Ginger and Chicken: Stir in the ginger and shredded chicken. Cook for another 15 minutes.
  5. Season: Add salt to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Easy to Digest: Great if you're feeling under the weather.
  • Hydrating: High water content keeps you hydrated.
  • Ginger: Helps boost immunity and fight inflammation.

 

Indian Lentil Soup (Dal)

indian lentil soup

Why You'll Love It

Dal is a hearty lentil soup that's a cornerstone of Indian cuisine. It's rich, creamy, and loaded with spices that are sure to warm you up.

Ingredients

  • 200 grams red lentils (approx. 1 cup)
  • 960 grams water (approx. 4 cups)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Lentils: Rinse lentils and boil them with water and turmeric until soft (about 20 minutes).
  2. Prepare Tempering: In a separate pan, heat oil. Add cumin and mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
  4. Combine: Add the tempering mixture to the cooked lentils. Stir well.
  5. Simmer: Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Nutritional Benefits

  • High in Protein and Fiber: Keeps you full longer.
  • Rich in Iron: Good for energy levels.
  • Anti-inflammatory Spices: Turmeric and ginger boost immunity.

 

Spicy Korean Kimchi Stew

kimchi stew

Why You'll Love It

Kimchi stew is a spicy and tangy dish that will definitely warm you up. It's also a great way to use up that jar of kimchi sitting in your fridge.

Ingredients

  • 300 grams kimchi, chopped (approx. 2 cups)
  • 250 grams pork belly or tofu, sliced (approx. 1 cup)
  • 960 grams water or broth (approx. 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Ingredients: In a pot, sauté pork belly or tofu until browned.
  2. Add Kimchi: Stir in the kimchi and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in water or broth, gochujang, and soy sauce.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Season: Add salt if necessary.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Probiotics: Kimchi is fermented and good for digestion.
  • Spicy Kick: Capsaicin in chili peppers boosts metabolism.
  • Versatile: Can be made vegetarian with tofu.

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Why You'll Love It

This soup is a beautiful blend of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and aromatic herbs. It's like a trip to Thailand without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 480 grams coconut milk (approx. 2 cups)
  • 480 grams chicken broth (approx. 2 cups)
  • 140 grams chicken breast, thinly sliced (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 70 grams mushrooms, sliced (approx. 1 cup)
  • Fresh cilantro and red chili slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Broth: In a pot, combine coconut milk and chicken broth. Add lemongrass and lime leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Add Chicken: Add the chicken slices and cook until done.
  3. Flavor It: Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
  4. Add Mushrooms: Cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Serve: Remove lemongrass and lime leaves. Ladle into bowls and garnish.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Healthy Fats: Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides.
  • Immune Boosting: Lemongrass and lime are good for immunity.
  • High in Protein: Chicken adds satiety.

 

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Why You'll Love It

This soup is a perfect balance of spicy and sour flavours. It's hearty, filling, and great for clearing up the sinuses!

Ingredients

  • 960 grams chicken or vegetable broth (approx. 4 cups)
  • 250 grams tofu, sliced into strips (approx. 1 cup)
  • 70 grams mushrooms, sliced (approx. 1 cup)
  • 65 grams bamboo shoots, sliced (approx. 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil Broth: In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Flavor It: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
  4. Thicken Soup: Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the soup thickens.
  5. Add Egg: Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring to create ribbons.
  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Low in Calories: Yet filling.
  • Rich in Protein: From tofu and egg.
  • Digestive Aid: Vinegar can help with digestion.

Conclusion

There you have it—six mouth-watering Asian recipes to keep you warm this winter. They're not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients to keep you healthy during the cold months. So grab your apron and get cooking!

Feeling inspired? Share your kitchen creations with us in the comments below!