Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Spicy Eggplant Soup! This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and subtly sour notes, all thanks to a simple yet masterful combination of ingredients. Imagine tender eggplant swimming in a rich, aromatic broth, infused with the fragrant heat of chilies and the refreshing tang of lime. It's a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This spicy eggplant soup is surprisingly simple to prepare, utilizing readily available ingredients to create an explosion of taste. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this recipe is designed for even the busiest cooks. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mortar and pestle
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- Mackerel: 2 or more
- Chili peppers
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Fish sauce
- Fermented fish sauce
- Spring onion
- Coriander
- Parsley or mint
- Cooking oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Cook the Ingredients
- Prepare the eggplant. Clean and cut it into smaller pieces if needed. Any type of eggplant works.
- Boil the eggplant until soft.
- Fry the mackerel until cooked on both sides.
- Roast the chili peppers, shallots, and garlic until they are slightly charred.
Step 2. Make the Spicy Paste and Combine
- Pound the roasted chili peppers, shallots, and garlic into a paste. Adjust chili amount to your spice preference.
- Pound the cooked mackerel into the chili paste.
- Add the boiled eggplant to the mackerel and chili mixture. Pound until desired consistency is reached.
Step 3. Season and Adjust Consistency
- Season with fish sauce and fermented fish sauce.
- Add warm water if needed to adjust the soup's thickness.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with spring onion, coriander, parsley, or mint before serving.
Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe
Tips
- You can grill or boil the eggplant before adding it to the soup.
- Adding more mackerel will make the soup richer and more flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spice level.
- The soup can be made thicker or thinner depending on your preference by adding or omitting water.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Absolutely! Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili peppers used. Start with less and add more to your liking.
2. What can I substitute for eggplant if I don't have any?
Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can work well as substitutes, though the texture will be slightly different.
This Spicy Eggplant Soup is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined with bold Thai flavors. Enjoy the vibrant colors, the satisfying textures, and the unforgettable taste that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you!