Spiced Coconut Noodle Soup is your perfect cozy meal, blending the warmth of spices with creamy coconut milk. It’s quick to make, full of vibrant flavors, and ideal for a chilly evening when you need something comforting yet light. Let’s dive into this delicious bowl of goodness!
The backbone of this recipe is the rice noodles, which provide a tender, chewy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the base. Onion adds sweetness and depth, while garlic and fresh ginger bring their aromatic zing, crucial for the soup’s fragrance. The spice blend of turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper offers warmth and complexity. Vegetable broth serves as the soup's foundation, enhanced by the creaminess of coconut milk. Soy sauce adds a touch of umami, balancing the flavors. Baby spinach and shredded carrots introduce fresh, vibrant colors and nutrients. Finally, cilantro and lime wedges are added for a fresh, zesty finish.
This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic naan to soak up the creamy broth. For a more filling meal, consider adding a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls.
Start by cooking your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they're al dente, drain and set them aside. Meanwhile, grab a large pot and heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion and sauté until it's nice and translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Next, add the garlic and ginger. Let them cook for a minute until they release their wonderful aroma. Then, sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything well so the spices coat the onions nicely.
Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, it's time to add the coconut milk and soy sauce. Stir until everything is well combined, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Add the baby spinach and shredded carrots to the pot, cooking just until the spinach wilts. This should take only a couple of minutes. Finally, divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls, and ladle the soup over them.
Top everything off with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime over your bowl for an extra zing before digging in.