Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: When exploring the rich flavors of Nepal, we discovered a dish that stands out: Chicken Noodle Soup, or Thukpa. This delightful soup combines tender chicken with hearty noodles and vibrant vegetables, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for any day. The recipe we’re sharing will guide you through making this comforting dish at home, bringing a taste of the Himalayas to your kitchen.
As we travel the globe, we collect unique recipes from local restaurants and cooking classes. This experience allows us to share authentic flavors and cooking techniques with you.
In this post, we’ll break down the ingredients and steps to create our version of this popular soup, inspired by traditional Nepalese cuisine.
Join us as we dive into the art of making Chicken Thukpa. With its blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also a nourishing option for your family.
About Us
We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple passionate about cooking and travel. Our journey takes us around the world to explore diverse cuisines and learn about different cultures through food.
We visit local restaurants and participate in cooking classes to gather authentic recipes. Our goal is to share these culinary experiences with our readers, so they can enjoy the flavors from various regions.
Through this blog, we hope to inspire others to try new recipes and expand their cooking skills. We believe that food connects people and brings joy to everyday life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We think you’ll enjoy making and eating Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup for several reasons.
Comforting and Hearty
This soup is a perfect meal for chilly days. The combination of chicken and noodles in a warm broth creates a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out.
Fresh Ingredients
We use vibrant vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach. These add not only color but also important nutrients and flavors that elevate the soup.
Simple to Make
The recipe is straightforward. With clear steps and basic ingredients, even beginner cooks can create a delicious meal without stress.
Flavorful Spices
The use of garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds brings bold flavors to the soup. These spices make each bite aromatic and satisfying.
Customizable
You can tailor this dish to your taste. Whether you prefer more vegetables or want to spice it up, the recipe is flexible.
A Taste of Culture
Enjoying this soup is a way to experience Nepalese cuisine. It connects us to a rich culinary tradition, broadening our cooking horizons.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup, also known as Thukpa, is a dish that warms the heart and soul.
One of the special features of Thukpa is its blend of flavors. We use spices like cumin and garlic to add depth. These ingredients create a rich taste that brings comfort.
The addition of fresh ingredients is another highlight. We often include vegetables like carrots and spinach, which not only enhance flavor but also boost nutrition.
The noodles play an important role too. They are typically made from wheat and have a chewy texture that absorbs the soup’s flavors.
Adjustable spice levels make this recipe unique. We can modify the heat by adding more or less chili, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish to their taste.
Lastly, Thukpa is more than just a meal; it represents cultural heritage. This dish is a staple in Nepalese kitchens and holds significance in gatherings and celebrations.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Nepali Chicken Noodle Soup, we need some essential cooking equipment. Here’s a list to guide you through the process:
- Large Pot: A sturdy pot is necessary for cooking the broth and noodles. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients.
- Ladle: This tool helps us serve the soup easily, ensuring everyone gets a good portion.
- Cutting Board: A clean surface for chopping vegetables and meat. It’s important for keeping our prep organized.
- Sharp Knife: A reliable knife allows us to cut ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for measuring out ingredients to get the flavors just right.
- Colander: This is used to drain the noodles after cooking. We don’t want any extra water in our soup.
- Wooden Spoon: A good wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the broth without scratching the pot.
We recommend having these items ready before starting the cooking process. This will help us move smoothly through the steps and create a delicious Nepali Chicken Noodle Soup.
Cooking Instructions
To make Nepalese Chicken Noodle Soup, we need to follow a few simple steps.
Steps to Cook:
- Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a blender, combine the onion, garlic, ginger, chili, and tomato. Blend until smooth. - Cook the Paste:
Heat a bit of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook for about 6-7 minutes until fragrant. - Add Chicken:
Add chicken pieces to the saucepan. Cook them until they are no longer pink, stirring occasionally. - Add Water:
Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. - Cook Noodles:
In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine Noodles and Soup:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the noodles to the soup. Stir to combine and let everything heat through. - Garnish:
Serve hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves.
Cooking Tips
When making Nepali chicken noodle soup, we recommend the following tips for the best results:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh garlic, ginger, and coriander will enhance the flavor.
- Homemade Broth: If possible, prepare chicken broth at home. It adds depth to the soup compared to store-bought options.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice by adding more or less chili to suit your taste. We enjoy a bit of heat, but it’s up to you!
- Cook Noodles Separately: Cook the noodles in a separate pot to avoid them becoming mushy. Then, add them to the soup just before serving.
- Timing is Key: Add vegetables to the pot according to their cooking times. For example, add carrots early and leafy greens closer to the end.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Garnish Before Serving: Top the soup with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try variations like adding different vegetables, or using tofu for a vegetarian option.
Ingredients For the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken Broth, low-sodium
Rice Coodles
Garlic
Ginger
Serrano Chili Pepper
Tomato
Shallots
Cilantro
Cumin
Turmeric
Szechuan Pepper
Black Pepper
Garam Msala
Coriander, ground
Lime Juice, fresh
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Chicken
Carrot
Red Pepper
Celery
Baby Spinach
Cooking Instructions For the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Preparing the Noodles
In a Dutch oven or large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the dry rice noodles, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 10 minutes until they soften. Remove the noodles from the broth to prevent overcooking, and set the broth aside.
Making the Soup Paste
In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, tomatoes, shallots, cilantro, cumin, turmeric, Szechwan pepper, garam masala, coriander, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
Cooking the Soup
Heat a soup pot and add the prepared soup paste, frying it for about 30 seconds. Pour in the reserved chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the chicken, carrots, red pepper, celery, and spinach, allowing it to simmer for about five minutes or until the carrots are tender. Season with salt.
Serving
Divide the softened rice noodles into six bowls, ladle the hot soup over them, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
FAQ For the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Question: What is the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: The Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting dish made with chicken, hand-pulled noodles, vegetables, and Nepali spices, creating a warm and flavorful broth.
Question: How do you make the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe at home?
A: To make the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe at home, cook chicken with garlic, ginger, and Nepali spices, add vegetables and noodles, then simmer until everything is tender and well-seasoned.
Question: What ingredients are used in the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: The Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe typically includes chicken, homemade or packaged noodles, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, green chilies, and fresh herbs for added depth.
Question: Can the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe be made with homemade noodles?
A: Yes, the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe can be made with homemade noodles by preparing simple dough, rolling it out, and cutting it into strips for a more traditional texture.
Question: What is the best way to serve the Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: The Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is best served hot with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, and a side of pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
Nepal Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium
- 1/2 lb Rice Coodles
- 4 cloves Garlic peeled
- 1 piece Ginger peeled
- 1 tbsp Serrano Chili Pepper stem removed an chopped
- 1/2 cup Tomato seeded chopped
- 1/4 cup Shallots chopped
- 2 tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 1 tsp Cumin ground
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric ground
- 1/2 tsp Szechuan Pepper crushed
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garam Msala
- 1/2 tsp Coriander ground
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice fresh
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken breast shredded cooked
- 1 cup Carrot julienne
- 1 cup Red Pepper julienne
- 1 cup Celery julienne
- 2 cups Baby Spinach packed
Instructions
Preparing the Noodles
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the dry rice noodles, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 10 minutes until they soften. Remove the noodles from the broth to prevent overcooking, and set the broth aside.
Making the Soup Paste
- In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, tomatoes, shallots, cilantro, cumin, turmeric, Szechwan pepper, garam masala, coriander, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Cooking the Soup
- Heat a soup pot and add the prepared soup paste, frying it for about 30 seconds. Pour in the reserved chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the chicken, carrots, red pepper, celery, and spinach, allowing it to simmer for about five minutes or until the carrots are tender. Season with salt.
Serving
- Divide the softened rice noodles into six bowls, ladle the hot soup over them, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
1 comment
This was the perfect bowl of comfort! The broth was rich and aromatic, the noodles were silky, and the chicken was so tender. I added some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving. My guests loved how warming and satisfying it was—definitely making this again on cold days!