Imagine a soup so delicate yet powerful that it cleanses your palate and nourishes your body with every spoonful. This Cleansing Clam and Daikon Soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that bridges traditional Asian comfort food with modern wellness. Perfect for those seeking a light, refreshing meal that packs a nutritional punch, this soup promises to transport you to a world of subtle flavors and healing ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh clams, cleaned
- 1 daikon radish, sliced
- 4 cups water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning the fresh clams. Rinse them under cold running water, scrubbing the shells to remove any dirt or sand. Soak the clams in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes to help expel any remaining sand. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the daikon radish by peeling it with a vegetable peeler. Slice the daikon into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. The white parts will be used for flavoring the soup, while the green tops will be used as a garnish.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the sliced daikon radish and the white parts of the green onions. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the daikon is tender.
- Add the cleaned clams to the pot, along with the grated ginger and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the clams have opened up. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.
- Once the clams are cooked, taste the broth and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Be cautious with the salt, as the soy sauce will already add some saltiness to the soup.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good amount of clams and daikon. Garnish with the green tops of the chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your Cleansing Clam and Daikon Soup warm, savoring the delicate flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Tips
- Clam Cleaning Mastery: Always ensure your clams are fresh and thoroughly cleaned. Soak them in cold water before cooking to help remove any hidden sand.
- Daikon Selection: Choose a firm, white daikon radish without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your soup.
- Timing is Key: Be careful not to overcook the clams. They're done when the shells open, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) while simmering or a splash of mirin for sweetness.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onion tops not only add color but also provide a bright, crisp finish to the soup.
- Broth Balance: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully. The soy sauce provides saltiness, so add additional salt sparingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
