Sep 032012
 
West Lake Beef Soup - Gratifying and Flavorsome

Besides the Hot and Sour Soup, the West Lake Beef Soup (西湖牛肉羹) is probably the next most common soup found in Chinese restaurants in the US. Although the ingredients for this soup are simple, the West Lake Beef Soup is both gratifying and flavorsome – with a rich, mellow taste and a silky smooth mouth feel. The West Lake Beef Soup is a popular local dish of the mountainous ZheJiang (浙江) Chinese province, where the famous West Lake is located. One secret to making a soft, smooth West Lake Beef Soup is [Read More...]

Sep 102011
 
Bok Choy Fish Head Tofu Soup

Fish head soup had not always been a favorite of mine. I even thought it was gross when I was younger, making remarks like “Eeeww! Fish heads are so nasty looking.”  Granted, a fish head was not the most aesthetically pleasing sight when it comes to food, whether live or cooked. And even though the best part [Read More...]

Jul 282011
 
Mustard Greens with Straw Mushroom and Tofu Soup

With little time to spare in the kitchen lately, I have to flip through my mental recipe rolodex more meticulously to come up with a tasty soup that is fast and easy to make. Undoubtedly, I got the perfect idea. In 35 minutes, I made this delicious healthy vegetable soup that is naturally low fat, low calorie, and gluten-free. [Read More...]

Jul 112011
 
Mung Bean Barley Honey Date Dessert Soup

If you had ever ordered a green bean (or “mung bean”) dessert soup at an Asian-style dessert house, you would know that there are many ways to enjoy this delightful naturally fat-free low-calorie item.  It can be served cold on hot summer days as a refreshing cool sweet snack, or served hot in the winter to warm [Read More...]

May 122011
 
Watercress Tofu Dried Oyster Soup

With a cancer-fighting and superfood reputation long associated to its name, the small leafy watercress sure do pack an abundance of antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals to deliver on those health functions. Watercress also provides a power punch of vitamin A, C, E and K, calcium, iron, and potassium.  The brimming essential nutrients offered by this little plant [Read More...]

Apr 282011
 
Water Chestnut Bean Curd Barley Soup

  Thinking back to the classic Chinese soups I grew up with at home, one of my favorites is this Water Chestnut Bean Curd Barley Soup.  This has been a favorite of mine since I was a little kid.  I love the aroma, sweetness, and meaty bite that shiitake mushrooms provide.  I also love the soft, silky [Read More...]

Apr 102011
 
Daikon Tofu Dried Oyster Pork Soup

With Spring already here, the winter root vegetables and squashes are at a tail end of their seasonality.  And one of my favorite winter vegetables, daikon, will soon disappear in the supermarkets until the next winter season.  So while I can still find them, I decided to purchase some and make my last daikon soup until the [Read More...]

Mar 232011
 
Mixed Beans Potato Vegetable Soup

  My husband and I were at our local farmer’s market today.  And we (ok, more like me) indulged on a shopping spree of irresistibly fresh, colorful, and sweet-smelling organic seasonal fruits and vegetables.  The produce at the market were so fresh.  The vegetable leaves were thick and of a deep vibrant green.  They looked so good [Read More...]

Feb 152011
 
Cilantro Tofu and Preserved Egg Soup

  If you are looking for an easy soup recipe that doesn’t cost your wallet a fortune, here is a delicious budget soup I love.  The inexpensive but healthy main ingredients are cilantro, tofu, preserved egg, and pork.  All of the ingredients can be bought at a local Asian grocery store.  And if you want more savory [Read More...]