Chinese Soup

Chinese corn and cucumber soup is a simple yet delicious recipe that brings a touch of freshness and flavor to every bowl. With a quick preparation time, it is a perfect choice for a light dinner or to impress guests with an exotic dish. Let's discover together how to make this flavorful soup!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 fresh cucumbers, sliced very thin (like noodles)
- 2 Knorr cubes (or another brand of concentrated soup)
- 1 can of cream corn (about 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 150 g of cooked rice
- Water (about 1 liter, but adjust to taste)
- Optional: a few drops of lemon juice for serving

Preparation technique:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Rinse the cucumbers well under cold running water. Slice them very thinly to create fine strips, similar to noodles. This will not only add a pleasant appearance but also a crunchy texture to the soup.

2. Boiling the soup base: In a pot, add about 1 liter of water and the Knorr soup cubes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the cubes dissolve completely.

3. Adding the cream corn: Once the water is boiling, add the can of cream corn. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. This will give the soup a creamy consistency and a sweet taste.

4. Dissolving the cornstarch: In a glass, dissolve the teaspoon of cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold water. This step is essential to prevent lumps from forming in the soup. Once dissolved, pour the mixture into the pot, stirring continuously.

5. Adding the cucumbers and rice: When the soup comes to a boil again, add the cucumber strips and the cooked rice. Gently stir and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes. The cucumbers will remain crunchy, adding a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

6. Finalizing and serving: Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to combine harmoniously. When serving, add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

Serving suggestions:
This soup can be served warm, alongside a slice of toasted bread or with garlic croutons for added flavor. You can also pair it with a refreshing drink, such as green tea or fresh fruit juice.

Interesting variations:
- Adding proteins: For a heartier version, you can add cubes of tofu or pieces of boiled chicken, which will integrate perfectly into the soup.
- Additional vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables, such as finely sliced carrots or bell peppers, to enrich the nutrient content and add beautiful colors.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in fiber due to the cucumbers and corn, while being low in calories, thanks to the use of a mixture of water and light ingredients. A serving of soup contains about 180 calories, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of concentrated soup?
Of course! You can use vegetable soup or even chicken soup, depending on your culinary preferences.

- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

- Is the soup suitable for vegans?
By using vegetable soup cubes and avoiding the addition of meat, this recipe becomes perfect for vegans!

Personal notes:
This soup reminds me of the evenings spent with family, when we gathered around the table to enjoy simple yet flavorful dishes. It is a recipe that can easily be adapted to everyone's preferences, and every improvement made becomes an unforgettable culinary memory.

I hope you will try this delicious Chinese soup! Cooking is an art, and each recipe offers the opportunity to experiment and create unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!