Hearty and Spicy Thukpa: A Traditional Tibetan Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 1 chopped green chili
  • 1 chopped carrot
  • 1 chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup of peas
  • 1/2 cup of chopped spring onions
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons of vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Boil the noodles in a large pot of salted water until they are cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger and sauté until they turn light brown.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and fry until they become translucent.
  4. Add the chopped tomato and green chilli to the pot and cook until the tomatoes become soft.
  5. Add the chopped carrot, bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and peas to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook until the vegetables become tender.
  6. Add the chopped spring onions, salt, pepper, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  7. Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  9. Add the vinegar and chili sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  10. Add the cooked noodles to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  11. Serve the Thukpa hot, garnished with coriander leaves.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For boiling noodles and preparing the soup.
  • Stove - To cook the ingredients and simmer the soup.
  • Strainer - For draining the boiled noodles.
  • Chopping board - To chop vegetables.
  • Knife - For chopping garlic, ginger, onion, tomato, and other vegetables.
  • Spatula - To sauté ingredients and stir the soup.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.
  • Soup ladle - To serve the Thukpa soup.
  • Soup bowls - To serve the Thukpa.
  • Garnishing spoon - To sprinkle coriander leaves on top of the Thukpa.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the noodles with rice noodles or udon noodles for a different texture.
  • Add your choice of protein such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a meaty version.
  • Include additional vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas for more variety.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings such as curry powder or turmeric for a unique flavor profile.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the broth for a creamy and nutty twist.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
  • Add a spoonful of fish sauce or oyster sauce for a savory umami taste.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of green chili or add red chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Replace the vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth for a richer broth base.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice or quinoa.

Recipe overview

Thukpa is a traditional Tibetan dish that has gained popularity across the world for its hearty and comforting flavors. This noodle soup is a perfect blend of aromatic spices, colorful vegetables, and delicious noodles, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth. It's a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit individual taste preferences, and it's perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This recipe walks you through the simple steps to make Thukpa at home. Expect to sauté, simmer, and stir your way to a delightful meal that's both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you're familiar with Tibetan cuisine or are trying it for the first time, this Thukpa recipe is a great place to start. Enjoy a bowl of this wonderful soup and embark on a culinary journey to the Tibetan highlands.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for Thukpa? Yes, you can use different types of noodles like rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti noodles as a substitute.
  2. Can I add meat or protein to Thukpa? Absolutely! Thukpa can be customized with the addition of cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu according to your preference.
  3. How do I make the vegetable broth for Thukpa? To make vegetable broth, you can either use store-bought vegetable broth or make it at home by simmering vegetables like onion, carrot, celery, and herbs in water for about an hour. Strain the liquid and use it as vegetable broth.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of Thukpa? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce and green chilies according to your taste.
  5. Can I make Thukpa ahead of time? Thukpa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broth and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. However, it is recommended to cook the noodles and combine all the ingredients just before serving to maintain the texture and flavors.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, hails from the mountainous region of Tibet but has carved a special place in the culinary landscape of its neighbor, Nepal. The dish traveled across treacherous terrains with the Sherpa communities who migrated from Tibet to Nepal, making it a prized possession in the cuisines of both realms. Adapting to the Nepalese tastes, Thukpa evolved with a medley of local vegetables and spices, making it a beloved comfort food during the chilly Himalayan winters. Ease of preparation and the warmth it provides made Thukpa a popular choice among mountaineers and trekkers, further spreading its charm along the trails and campsites of the Himalayas. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest of foods can carry the most profound stories of culture, survival, and adaptation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.