Perfumed Soba Noodle Soup

Perfumed Soba Noodle Soup
serves 4

(America)

A delicious, fragrant pork soup based on Asian traditions and flavours.

                                                                   Preparation time:  15 minutes

                                                                  Pork cook time:  40 minutes

                                                                  Broth cook time: 30 minutes
                                                         Total  time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

4  boneless pork chops, 3/4 –inch thick

½  cup Char Siu Sauce (Chinese BBQ sauce)

8 cups chicken broth

1 fresh ginger finger, peeled and sliced into 6 quarter sized coins

3 star anise

2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon of soy sauce

1/2 pound soba noodles (dried)

1 pound baby spinach

accompaniments

2 cup fresh bean sprouts

4-5 scallions, sliced, white and green parts

4-5 white mushrooms, caps only, diced into ¼-dice

2-3  Thai red chilies, seeded and thinly sliced, to taste

1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1-2 fresh limes, cut into quarters

condiments

Sambal Oelek or Sriracha sauce

Soy Sauce

  

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350° F.

cook the pork:

1.  In a small glass baking dish brush the pork with Char Siu  and roast it in middle of the oven preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of the chops registers 160° F.  

2.  Remove pork from the oven to a cutting board  and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes.   After the  pork has rested, slice the chops crosswise into thin slices and the slices in half diagonally, keep the chops together for a better presentation.

prepare the broth:

Place the chicken broth, ginger coins, star anise, soy sauce and garlic cloves in a large saucepan bring broth to a boil  over high heat.  Once the broth comes to a rolling boil, remove the pan from the heat and allow the broth to seep, covered, for at least 30 minutes. Pour broth through a sieve into another large saucepan, discard the solids.

prepare the noodles:

1.  While broth is steeping take the opportunity to prepare the soba noodles.  in a large pot  bring 3 1/2 quarts salted water to a boil and add noodles.  When water returns to boil add 1 cup cold water and bring to boil again. Repeat procedure one time and, when the water comes to a boil the second time, reduce heat to simmer and simmer the noodles for 5 minutes, or until they are just tender.

2.  Drain noodles into a colander  and rinse under cold water.  

service:

1.  Place the bean sprouts, the cilantro, sliced chilies, sliced scallions, diced mushrooms and quartered limes into separate bowls for the guests to add to their broth along with Sambal Oelek or Sriracha sauce and soy sauce as condiments .

2.  Bring the broth back  to the boil and add the baby spinach and reduce the heat to simmer.  Simmer the broth for 2 to 5 minutes until spinach collapses.

3.  Divide the noodles among 4 large soup bowls, and divide the broth amongst the soup bowls.  Invite the guests to garnish their individual soup bowls with the accompaniments of their choice, including a squeeze of lime and place their sliced pork chop on top of the garnished soup and enjoy.