Bok Choy & Mushroom Soup

This month, I’ve been addicted to making different variations of this bok-choy and mushroom soup. Ginger, garlic, star anise, chilli and lemon all contribute to its super nourishing kick!

Ingredients

1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
5-6 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
2 whole star anise
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 handfuls Cremini mushrooms, diced
4 heads of baby bok choy, chopped
1 bunch of vermicelli noodles
1 tsp chilli flakes (omit for a milder soup)

Toppings

Green onion, thinly sliced
Cilantro, roughly chopped
Sesame seeds
Chilli oil
Fresh lemon, squeezed 

Instructions

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook over medium for 4-5 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and starts to soften. 

2. Add minced garlic, ginger, star anise and chilli flakes (if using). Mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. 

3. Pour in stock into the pot and bring to a simmer. Add soy sauce. Cover with a lid and continue to simmer for ~10 minutes.

4. Remove the lid and carefully remove and discard the star anise.

5. Add the sliced mushrooms, uncooked noodles and baby bok choy. Simmer for 5-8 minutes or until noodles and bok choy are tender. Season to taste. 

6. Divide soup between bowls and garnish with sesame seeds, green onion, cilantro, chilli oil and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. 

Notes

• If planning to make a large batch to eat over a few days, keep noodles and bok choy separate from soup and add while reheating. This keeps the noodles from breaking down and retains the bok choy’s crunch. 

• This recipe is incredibly versatile and great as a “vegetable crisper cleanout.” I’ve had success adding carrots (add with onions) and kale (add with mushrooms).

• For a lighter version of the soup, omit noodles. For a more filling version, sub in ramen noodles over vermicelli. 

• Make sure to take the anise stars out at the recommended time; the spice can overpower the broth if left in too long!

  If you try the recipe, let me know in the comments below!