Hearty Sweet Potato and Tofu Clear Broth Soup
This Hearty Sweet Potato and Tofu Clear Broth Soup is a vibrant and nourishing dish that harmoniously blends the earthiness of sweet potatoes, the creamy texture of silken tofu, and the slight bitterness of mustard greens. Infused with aromatic spices, garlic, and ginger, each spoonful delights the palate while providing warmth and comfort. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cozy night, this nutritious soup can be effortlessly customized to include your favorite vegetables or protein. Serve it as a standalone meal or as a delightful starter to any Asian-inspired dining experience. Experience the balance of flavors in every bowl!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Sesame oil
2 teaspoons (None)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Coarsely chopped)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Jalapeño chile
1 large (Diced, seeds left in for heat (optional))
Cilantro stems
1/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
Chicken stock or vegetable broth
6 cups (None)
Five-spice powder
to taste (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Sweet potatoes
12 ounces (Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
Mustard greens
3 cups (Stems discarded, leaves cut into ribbons)
Silken tofu or soft tofu
12-15 ounces (Cubed)
Scallions
2 (Diced)
Soy sauce
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil and half of the sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the coarsely chopped garlic, ginger, diced jalapeño, and thinly sliced cilantro stems. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth, then season with five-spice powder and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering, strain the broth using a fine mesh sieve or lift out the solids with a skimmer, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible before discarding the solids.
5
Return the strained broth to the pot and add the diced sweet potatoes. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
6
Stir in the mustard greens and cubed silken tofu. Cook gently uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the greens are vibrant and the tofu is heated through.
7
Add the diced scallions and taste the soup for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, sesame oil, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor to your liking.
8
Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions or cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Sweet Potato and Tofu Clear Broth Soup?
It is a vibrant and nourishing soup that blends sweet potatoes, silken tofu, and mustard greens in a seasoned aromatic broth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to ensure the recipe is fully vegan.
What kind of tofu is best for this recipe?
Silken or soft tofu is recommended for its creamy texture, which contrasts well with the sweet potatoes.
How do I prepare the mustard greens?
Discard the stems and cut the leaves into thin ribbons before adding them to the soup.
What is the purpose of cilantro stems in the broth?
Thinly sliced cilantro stems are sautéed with aromatics to infuse the broth with deep, herbal flavor.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild heat from the jalapeño; you can leave the seeds in for more spice or remove them for a milder flavor.
How long should I simmer the sweet potatoes?
Simmer the diced sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
Why do I need to strain the broth?
Straining removes the solids like garlic, ginger, and stems to create a clear, refined broth while retaining their flavor.
What can I substitute for five-spice powder?
If unavailable, you can use a pinch of ground star anise or cinnamon, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots.
How do I prevent the tofu from breaking?
Add the cubed tofu gently at the end and cook uncovered for only 5 minutes without stirring vigorously.
What are the primary aromatics used in this recipe?
The soup uses a base of garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and cilantro stems.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of silken tofu and sweet potatoes can become unpleasant after thawing.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the delicate tofu cubes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free broth and swap the soy sauce for tamari.
What type of oil should I use?
A combination of vegetable oil for cooking and sesame oil for flavor is used in this recipe.
How many ingredients are required for this soup?
There are 14 ingredients including seasonings and garnishes.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, but adjust the simmering time as frozen potatoes may cook faster than fresh ones.
What does shimmering oil mean?
It refers to oil that is hot enough to move fluidly across the pan, appearing to ripple or shine.
Can I replace mustard greens with spinach?
Yes, spinach or kale are great substitutes if mustard greens are unavailable.
How large should the sweet potato cubes be?
Dicing them into 1/2-inch cubes ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
When should I add the scallions?
Diced scallions are added at the very end to provide a fresh, sharp finish.
What should I do if the broth is too salty?
You can dilute it with a little more water or broth, or add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the salt.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense dish featuring fresh vegetables and plant-based protein.
Can I add noodles to make it more filling?
Absolutely; rice noodles or udon would work very well with this clear broth.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large soup pot or Dutch oven is ideal for sautéing and simmering the liquid.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the broth at the end and add more salt, sesame oil, or soy sauce according to your preference.
Can I use ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of ginger paste as a convenient substitute for fresh chopped ginger.