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Mock Chicken Noodle Soup

This simple, soothing soup recalls a comfort soup from my childhood. It proves that winter soups need not always be thick to provide a sense of warmth. I like to use a mild-flavored variety of baked tofu in this, such as Soy Boy Tofu Lin.

Cooks' Note

You can use vermicelli or angel hair, broken into 1½-inch pieces; soba noodles are good too, if you want something a bit more nourishing or assertive. Fine, round noodles such as anellini are also good.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large celery stalks, finely diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, minced
6 cups water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, or other stock option (page 9)
1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning (see page 4 for brands)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
4 to 6 ounces short, fine noodles (see Note)
4 to 6 ounces baked tofu, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, and about 2 tablespoons water. Cover and sweat over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

    Step 2

    Add the water with bouillon cubes, seasoning, and dried dill. Bring to a rapid simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

    Step 3

    Raise the heat and bring to a more vigorous simmer. Add the noodles and simmer steadily for 5 to 8 minutes, or until al dente.

    Step 4

    Stir in the diced tofu, then season with salt and pepper. Serve at once. As the soup stands, the noodles quickly absorb the liquid. If you plan on having leftovers of the soup, add a cup or so of additional water before storing, and adjust the seasonings. This way the soup can develop more flavor as it stands.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    Per serving:

    Step 6

    Calories: 157

    Step 7

    Total fat: 5g

    Step 8

    Protein: 7g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 2g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrate: 21g

    Step 11

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 12

    Sodium: 163mg

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