Salted Mustard Greens with Tofu in Fish Soup

Soup Name: Salted Mustard Greens with Tofu in Fish Soup

Traditional Chinese Name: (suan cai du fu y tng)

Introduction:

This quick boil soup is an excellent pre-dinner appetizer. With its slight sour tang and refreshing clarity, it is relatively easy to make and very healthy for the whole family. Depending on the type, brand and preservation process of the mustard greens, your soup color can range from pale yellow to a bright yellow (as picture above). With a variety of textures in the soup, it serves as a great supplement to dinner and is an excellent source of protein. This is considered a great summer soup.

What ingredients are required?

5-6 large slices of grass carp fish, preferably from the tail or backside
3 fresh slices of ginger
1 tsp of salt
1/2 package of preserved/salted mustard greens, largely sliced
1 pack of fresh stiff tofu, cubed
2 L of water

How do I prepare it?

Soak the preserved mustard greens in warm water for 10 minutes

Wash and rinse your fish in running water, slice into large pieces (so that they dont disintegrate as easily in the soup)

Pat dry with a paper towel and salt lightly

In a frying pan, heat oil until hot and fry ginger and fish slices until golden brown

Set aside the fish when finished (it doesnt have to be completed cooked, but at least with lightly golden surfaces)

Boil your soup water

Rinse preserved mustard greens in running water and slice into edible pieces

Rinse tofu and cut into large pieces

Slice the century eggs in half

When the soup water boils, add ginger, fish, preserved mustard greens, and tofu together

Boil on high for 30 minutes

Any benefits?

Naturally salted because of the mustard greens, so no salt needed!
High source of protein and low in fat
Excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and E, folic acid, calcium, carotenes, manganese, copper, potassium, iron and fiber
Great for your bones and plenty of anti-oxidants

Any precautions?

• If youre concerned about the level of saltiness of the preserved mustard greens, you can soak them longer (for at least an hour)
• Be sure to buy preserved mustard greens from a reputable source and be sure to check the expiry date
• Be sure to use stiff tofu as this is the only type that will sustain its shape and form when put in boiling water. Soft tofu will break apart, while still tastes OK, the soup doesnt look as clean
• Remove all the bones of the fish as I am not boiling with a fish bag (or take caution when serving children)

Fresh fish slices

Fried fish slices set aside before adding to the soup