We are big fans of soups and if it serves up a full complete meal – what better?
Thukpa, is a Noodle Soup with it’s roots from Tibet and digging deeper, it’s said to have come there from China. It is now had as a staple in Bhutan, Nepal and very popular in the North-Eastern States of India as well, with little and subtle variations depending on regions and availability of ingredients and variation of taste buds.
Enjoy this simple and easy to make and no-frills Thukpa and stay a little warmer in these cold days.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Serves – 2 big bowls
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
Oil – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 1 tbsp, minced
Green Chilli – to taste
Onion – 1 small, chopped
Tomato – 1 medium, chopped
Cabbage – 1 cup, chopped
Salt – to taste
Red Chilli Powder – to taste
Garam Masala – 1 tsp
Chicken Masala – 1/2 tsp (optional)
Water – 3 cups
Vegetable Cubes – 1 or as needed
Cilantro – 5 sprigs, chopped
For the Noodles:
Tibetan Noodles or any noodles of your choice – 5oz (approx 150gm)
Water – 3 cups
Oil – 1 tsp
Salt – 1/2 tsp
For the Omelet:
Eggs – 2
Oil – 1 tsp
Salt – a pinch
Method:
For the Soup:
1. In a pressure cooker, heat Oil on medium heat.
2. Add Garlic and Green Chillies. Cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add in Onions and cook till translucent. Mix frequently.
4. Add in Tomatoes and Cabbage. Mix and cook till the vegetables get soft.
5. Add in the dry spices – Salt, Red Chilli Powder, Garam Masala. Mix and cook for 30 seconds.
6. If you have Chicken Masala, add along with the dry spices.
7. Add Vegetable Cube and Water and allow the cube to dissolve.
8. Close Pressure Cooker and cook 2 whistles.
9. Allow the pressure to release.
10. Once safe, open and add chopped Cilantro. Adjust spices as needed.
For the Noodles:
1. Boil Water and add Salt.
2. Add in the Noodles and cook as per package directions.
3. Once done, drain all the Water and mix in the Oil.
For the Omelet:
1. Crack the egg in a bowl and beat it well.
2. Add a pinch of Salt.
3. Heat Oil on medium heat in a small skillet.
4. Pour the Egg mixture, spread and allow it to cook on the bottom side.
5. Flip and cook on the other side as well.
6. Remove and cut strips and keep aside.
For Assembly:
1. In a deep bowl, add in half the cooked Noodles.
2. Pour in half the Soup.
3. Add in the Omelet strips.
4. Garnish with Cilantro.
5. Enjoy.
Tips:
1. Add in vegetables of your choice example: Carrots, Spinach, Mushrooms.
2. Use Vegetable broth instead of the Vegetable cube and water in the Soup. (How to make Broth at home)
3. Want make a Chicken Version:
– Wash 2-3 pieces of Chicken with bones.
– Boil the Chicken with 3 cups of Water.
– Add a bit of Salt, a Bay Leaf, Cinnamon Stick, 2 Cloves, Quarter Onion, 2 cloves of Garlic, a small pc. of Ginger.
– Allow it to boil well.
– Once the Chicken is cooked, remove and allow it to cool down and shred or cut to pieces.
– Boil the balance of the Water for another 10-15 min.
– Strain and use the liquid instead of the water and the Vegetable Cube, in the recipe for the Soup mentioned above.
– Add in the shredded Chicken right before serving.
– You can add half the amount of Vegetables mentioned above if make the Non-Vegetarian version.
