Nepali Thukpa
Thukpa is a hearty and flavorful noodle soup that is a staple in Nepal, particularly in the Himalayan regions. It's a comforting dish, often enjoyed during colder months, and can be prepared with various vegetables and meats.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(minced)
- 1 medium Carrot(thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Cabbage(thinly sliced)
- 0.5 medium Bell pepper(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1.5 liters Chicken stock
- 300 g Chicken thigh fillet(skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 300 g Rice noodles
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Red chili powder(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- 5
Add the sliced carrot, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir well to combine with the spices.
- 6
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add the chicken thigh pieces, salt, and black pepper.
- 7
Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 8
Add the cooked noodles to the soup. Stir gently and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 9
Ladle the Thukpa into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and serve hot, with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock. You can add tofu or other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli.
- ✓Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- ✓You can use different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or ramen noodles.
- ✓If you don't have chicken stock, you can use water and add a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like spinach, bok choy, or green beans.
- Include a tablespoon of soy sauce for an umami boost.
- Top with a fried egg for added richness.