Tiếng Việt
ไทยAmong the myriad of simple yet delicious dishes in Vietnamese cuisine, dried squid soup stands out as a delicate highlight, bringing a gently sweet, refreshing oceanic flavor that remains memorably rich. It’s not just an innovative twist on a traditional ingredient; this soup is an ideal choice for those who love light, pure, and nutritious meals.
What’s Special About Dried Squid For Soup?
Dried squid not only brings a characteristic oceanic flavor but is also very versatile when combined with many fresh vegetables. Each soup is a delicate symphony, both refreshing and unforgettably rich.
Natural Sweetness from Dried Squid
The first special feature of dried squid soup is the mild, natural sweetness that dried squid provides. Without needing many seasonings or flavorings, the broth from dried squid is enough to create the essence of the soup. Every drop of broth is imbued with the taste of the sea, harmonizing with vegetables to create a balanced flavor for the palate.
Utilizing “Old” Dried Squid for New Dishes
Did you know that dried squid, even when stored for a long time, doesn’t lose its deliciousness and can make soup even richer? This is a wonderful secret to utilize “old” ingredients without waste, transforming slightly tougher dried squid into a fragrant and attractive soup for family meals.
Suitable for Light Eaters, Reducing Oiliness
If you are following a light or low-fat diet, dried squid soup is an excellent “companion.” This dish is not elaborately fried but retains the fresh, delicious oceanic flavor without causing a feeling of greasiness or heaviness.
Delicious Dried Squid Soups to Try
Dried squid not only brings a characteristic oceanic flavor but is also very versatile when combined with many fresh vegetables. Each soup is a delicate symphony, both refreshing and unforgettably rich. Let’s explore some delicious dried squid soup recipes you must try!
Dried Squid and Luffa Soup with Scallions
Tender, subtly sweet luffa gently embraces the rich, salty flavor of dried squid. A little fresh, fragrant scallion makes the soup refreshing and comforting. Each spoonful of soup brings a gentle feeling like a soft sea breeze.
Dried Squid and Green Papaya Soup
The characteristic rich sweetness of dried squid is mellowed by the crisp, cool, and slightly tangy green papaya. This combination awakens all the senses, making the palate feel refreshed. Dried squid and green papaya soup can be considered a fresh highlight for summer meals.
Dried Squid and Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage Soup
The tender, sweet, and refreshing bok choy or napa cabbage acts as a light cloak embracing the rich, salty flavor from the dried squid. Each spoonful of soup is a delicate blend of earth, sky, and sea. A simple dish that captivates the heart.
Variation: Sour Dried Squid Soup
The gentle sourness from tamarind blends with the mild spiciness and characteristic saltiness of dried squid. The sour soup creates a perfect balance, stimulating the appetite and making the meal more lively. This is a wonderful variation to refresh the traditional soup.
Dried Squid and Winter Melon Soup
The cool, refreshing winter melon gently embraces the natural sweetness of dried squid, creating a light and nutritious soup. This light dish helps to cool the body and soothe during hot days.
Dried Squid and Lotus Root Soup
The nutty, fragrant, and crisp lotus root is complemented by the rich saltiness of dried squid. Each spoonful of soup seems to transport us to a refined, elegant, and emotional space. The dish is a perfect harmony of earth, sky, and sea.
Dried Squid and Kohlrabi Soup
The cool, slightly crisp kohlrabi harmonizes with the rich flavor of dried squid to create a light and easy-to-eat soup. The soup is not only nutritious but also easily pleases every member of the family. This is an ideal choice for everyday meals, and homemakers can consider it!
Dried Squid and Water Morning Glory Soup
Fresh, crisp water morning glory highlights the natural sweet and salty taste of dried squid. This combination not only makes the soup fresher but also very nutritious. Each bowl of soup is a cool, pleasant experience for the diner.
How to Make Simple Dried Squid Soup at Home
Dried squid soup is not only delicious but also very easy to make, suitable for quick family meals while still preserving the rich oceanic flavor. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare this refreshing, nutritious soup yourself at home.
Basic Ingredients
- Dried squid: 100 – 150g
- Vegetables of your choice: luffa, green papaya, bok choy, winter melon, lotus root, kohlrabi, water morning glory…
- Scallions, garlic
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, fish sauce
Preparing Dried Squid
First, soak the dried squid in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften it, making it easier to wash and prepare. Then, you can tear it into small pieces or cut it into bite-sized pieces as desired, allowing the squid to absorb flavor and cook evenly. Proper preparation is a crucial step to maintain the soup’s natural sweetness.
Authentic Cooking Method
First, sauté minced garlic and shallots in a pot until fragrant. Next, add the prepared squid and stir briefly, then pour in water and bring to a boil. When the water boils, add the prepared vegetables, season to taste, and simmer gently until the vegetables are cooked but still retain their natural sweetness from the dried squid. The soup will be both delicious and refreshing, perfect for days when you want a light meal that’s still nutritious.
See more: How to Cook Delicious, Rich, and Authentic Squid Porridge at Home
Tips for Better Dried Squid Soup
To make dried squid soup more appealing and retain its rich natural flavor, pay attention to a few small but important secrets. These tips will not only make the soup more delicious but also maintain the squid’s tenderness, offering a more complete culinary experience.
- Soak dried squid for enough time, about 10-15 minutes, so the squid softens but doesn’t break apart, maintaining a moderate chewiness.
- Do not cook the soup for too long to avoid tough squid, ensuring it retains its natural sweetness and characteristic tender texture.
- When turning off the heat, add a little fresh cilantro or green onions to enhance the natural aroma, making the soup more appealing and flavorful.
- Choose fresh, suitable vegetables like luffa, papaya, and winter melon to enhance the refreshing taste, perfectly balancing the salty sea flavor of the dried squid.
These small tips will help you easily master this delicious and nutritious dried squid soup for your family meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dried squid soup is a beloved dish, but there are still some common questions regarding its preparation and nutritional value. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions, helping you feel more confident when preparing and enjoying dried squid soup.
Will Dried Squid Be Tough When Cooked in Soup?
If you prepare and cook it correctly, dried squid will be tender and retain its natural sweetness, not tough or hard at all. Avoid soaking and cooking for too long to ensure the dried squid achieves the perfect tenderness.
Can Dried Squid Be Combined with Dried Shrimp?
Absolutely! The blend of the rich flavor of squid and the characteristic sweet aroma of dried shrimp will create a soup that is both attractive and diverse in flavor. This is also a way to enrich the culinary experience for your family meal.
Is This Dish Suitable for Children?
Dried squid soup is very suitable for children, especially when cooked thoroughly and seasoned lightly. The soup helps children experience the natural taste of the sea while ensuring safety and easy digestion.
If you are looking for a soup that is both refreshing and rich, easy to cook, and nutritious, don’t miss out on dried squid soup – a wonderful dish for family meals, especially during hot summer days or cold winter nights. Try it today to feel the abundant taste of the sea in every spoonful! And don’t forget to keep following Ola Squid’s articles to discover more delicious recipes from dried squid and seafood.
