Simple Chinese Tomato Soup for Flu Season
Cozy Up with Gēdatāng (Knot Soup): A Taste of Chinese Comfort
Looking for a unique and heartwarming soup to brighten your dinner table? Look no further than Gēdatāng, also known as Knot Soup! This traditional Chinese soup is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of good luck and family togetherness. The ‘knots’ in the soup represent the bonds that tie us together, making it a particularly meaningful dish to share with loved ones.
But beyond its symbolic meaning, Gēdatāng is simply delicious. The slightly sweet and sour broth, combined with the soft, chewy dough knots and fresh vegetables, creates a delightful textural and flavor experience. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering.
What Makes Gēdatāng Special?
Unlike many soups that rely on a complex stock, Gēdatāng gets its flavor from the simple combination of tomatoes and a touch of seasoning. The real star, however, is the dough. Instead of forming traditional dumplings or noodles, the dough is dropped directly into the soup in small pieces, creating those signature ‘knots’. This method is quick, fun, and gives the soup a wonderfully rustic appearance.
Is Gēdatāng Vegetarian/Vegan?
Traditionally, Gēdatāng is often made with a vegetable broth or simply water. Our recipe leans into that simplicity, making it naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to a vegan diet. Just ensure your vegetable stock (if using) is vegan-friendly.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Absolutely! While we recommend leafy greens for a fresh touch, feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even a handful of spinach would be delicious additions.
How do I make the dough knots?
The beauty of this soup is that the dough knots don’t need to be perfect! Simply pinch off small pieces of dough and drop them into the simmering soup. They’ll cook quickly and naturally form irregular shapes – that’s part of the charm!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to bring a little bit of Chinese comfort to your kitchen? Follow our easy recipe below and enjoy a bowl of heartwarming Gēdatāng. It’s a soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Gēdatāng (Knot Soup)
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
- ¼ cup water plus more if needed
- 1 large tomato
- ¾ cup leafy greens if you’re in the mood
Instructions
- Start by dicing your tomatoes and chopping up your leafy greens.
- Make the dough knots by mixing flour and water in a large bowl. With a whisk, mix until your dough slightly starts to take shape. You don’t need it to be hard.
- Make the soup by sautéing your tomatoes in a pan. Cook until the juices are released.
- Add in water (or vegetable stock if you’ve got it) and salt until it’s got that perfectly sweet and sour taste that you like.
- Now make the dough knots. This is easier than it sounds. With a pair of chopsticks, pick up pieces of your dough and drop them into the soup. Let it cook for a minute before stirring.
- Finally, add in your leafy greens and let them cook for just a little while. Taste and season accordingly.
- Garnish with some chopped spring onion or cilantro.
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