Nectarine and Shiso Soup
Beyond the Expected: Marmitte Nectarine Shiso Soup – A Fusion Delight
Sometimes, the most exciting culinary experiences come from unexpected combinations. Forget everything you think you know about soup, because today we’re diving into a flavor profile that’s both comforting and utterly unique: Marmite Nectarine Shiso Soup. Yes, you read that right! This isn’t your grandmother’s chicken noodle.
This soup is a beautiful example of fusion cuisine, blending the savory umami of Marmite (a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, but trust us on this one!), the sweetness of ripe nectarines, and the herbaceous, slightly minty notes of shiso. It’s a surprisingly harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What makes this soup special?
It’s all about balance. The Marmite provides a deep, savory base, the nectarines offer a delicate sweetness, and the shiso adds a bright, fresh counterpoint. The crème fraiche garnish adds a luxurious creaminess, while the chopped shiso provides a final burst of flavor and visual appeal. It’s a soup that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect as a starter or a light meal.
A little about the ingredients:
- Shiso: This Japanese herb is a key component. If you can’t find fresh shiso, it’s difficult to substitute perfectly, but a combination of mint and basil can offer a similar, though not identical, flavor profile.
- Marmite: Don’t be scared! A small amount goes a long way. It adds a unique depth of flavor that you won’t get from other ingredients. If you’re truly averse to Marmite, you could try a very small amount of miso paste, but the flavor will be different.
- Nectarines: Use ripe, juicy nectarines for the best flavor. Peaches can be substituted if nectarines aren’t available.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is beautiful served in small bowls as an appetizer. Garnish with a swirl of crème fraiche and a sprinkle of chopped shiso. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding edible flowers like chive blossoms or rose petals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does shiso taste like?
A: Shiso has a unique flavor that’s often described as a combination of mint, basil, and anise. It’s slightly peppery and has a refreshing, herbaceous quality.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Add the crème fraiche and shiso garnish just before serving.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: As written, this recipe is not vegetarian or vegan due to the use of crème fraiche. You can substitute a plant-based crème fraiche alternative to make it vegan. The chicken stock would also need to be replaced with vegetable stock.
Q: What if I don’t like Marmite?
A: While Marmite is a key flavor component, you could experiment with a very small amount of miso paste as a substitute, but be aware the flavor profile will change. You could also try a dash of soy sauce for umami, but start with a very small amount.
Marmite Nectarine Shiso Soup
Ingredients
- 1 each leek, white part cut into small pieces
- 1 each onion cut into small pieces
- 2 each shallots cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 each ripe nectarines pitted, cut into small pieces
- 8 leaves fresh green shiso
- 4 cups chicken stock homemade, please!
- 4 teaspoons crème fraiche
- to taste sea salt
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed, non-aluminum pan, cook the leek, onion, and shallots in the unsalted butter over low heat until they are translucent and relaxed.
- Add nectarines, six of the shiso leaves, and the chicken stock and raise the heat to a boil.
- Cover, lower the heat, and simmer until the nectarines are soft.
- Remove from heat and purée in a blender until completely smooth.
- Pour into a saucepan and salt to taste. The salt brings out the savory flavor from the stock and rounds out the flavor.
- Chop the remaining two shiso leaves. Serve in bowls garnished with a teaspoon of crème fraiche each and a sprinkling of the chopped shiso. (Alternative garnishes include chive flowers or rose petals.)
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