Description
A light Thai-style Clear Soup with Water Spinach, featuring a fragrant garlic base, fresh leafy greens, and a savory clear broth. Quick, healthy, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for more umami)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sugar
- 1 bunch water spinach (about 2 cups), trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 small carrot, sliced thin (optional)
- 1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Dash of white pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), salt, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning until light and savory.
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrot slices (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add water spinach and simmer another 1–2 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat immediately. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with spring onion and a dash of white pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
- To make vegetarian, omit fish sauce or swap with a touch of sesame oil.
- Do not overcook greens—1–2 minutes is perfect for color and texture.
- For clearer broth, strain garlic solids before simmering.
- Prepare broth ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days; add fresh vegetables when reheating.
- Freeze broth (without greens) for up to 2 months; add fresh vegetables later.
- Spice lovers can add Thai chili slices or crushed pepper.
- Protein additions like tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken work well.
- If unavailable, substitute spinach, bok choy, or morning glory.
- Adjust balance: dilute if salty, add sugar or soy sauce if flat.
- Serve with jasmine rice, noodles, or as part of a Thai meal spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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