Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you deep into the heart of Brunei's gastronomic heritage. Brunei, a small yet culturally vibrant nation on the island of Borneo, boasts a culinary tradition as diverse as its history. Among the myriad of flavors that define Bruneian cuisine, the exquisite Brunei Soto stands out as a true testament to the country's culinary prowess.

Brunei Soto is a soul-warming soup that reflects the fusion of flavors and influences from Malay, Chinese, and indigenous traditions. This delectable dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of Brunei's rich history, reflecting the warmth of its people and the unique blend of ingredients that have stood the test of time.

Join us on this culinary adventure as we delve into the art of preparing Brunei Soto, unlocking the secrets of its aromatic broth, tender meat, and the harmonious marriage of spices. Let the fragrant aromas and robust flavors transport you to the heart of Brunei, where each spoonful tells a story of tradition, community, and the love for good food. Get ready to embark on a culinary escapade and bring the authentic taste of Brunei Soto to your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Spice Paste (Rempah):

• 5 shallots, peeled
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 inch galangal, peeled and sliced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, white part only, sliced
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

For the Soup:

• 500g chicken, cut into pieces
• 200g prawns, peeled and deveined
• 200g bean sprouts, washed
• 200g cabbage, shredded
• 200g rice vermicelli, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 liter chicken broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

For Garnish:

• Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• Fried shallots
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

Prepare the Spice Paste (Rempah): In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, lemongrass, candlenuts, ground coriander, and ground turmeric. Blend until a smooth paste is formed.

Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Chicken and Prawns: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink. Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink and opaque.

Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, add lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Season and Adjust: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Soto: In serving bowls, assemble a portion of cooked rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, and shredded cabbage.

Pour the Hot Soup: Ladle the hot soup over the assembled ingredients in the bowls.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with slices of hard-boiled eggs, fried shallots, chopped cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your journey into the flavors of Brunei with this comforting and aromatic Brunei Soto!

Nutritional Values

Providing precise nutritional values can be challenging due to variations in specific brands, cooking methods, and regional differences in ingredients. However, I can offer approximate values based on standard nutritional information for common ingredients:

Nutritional Values per 100g (approximate):

Vegetables:

Shallots:

• 72 calories
• 17g carbs
• 0.1g fat
• 2.5g fiber
• 2.5g protein

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, shallots may contribute to heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic:

• 149 calories
• 33g carbs
• 0.5g fat
• 2.1g fiber
• 6.4g protein

benefits: Known for its potential immune-boosting properties, garlic also contains antioxidants and may have cardiovascular benefits.

Galangal:

• 32 calories
• 8g carbs
• 0.2g fat
• 1.3g fiber
• 1g protein

benefits: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is believed to aid digestion and enhance circulation.

Ginger:

• 80 calories
• 18g carbs
• 0.8g fat
• 2g fiber
• 2g protein

benefits: Known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects, ginger may also help with digestion and has antioxidant properties.

Lemongrass:

• 99 calories
• 25g carbs
• 0.5g fat
• 1.8g fiber
• 1.8g protein

benefits: Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and it's known for its aromatic flavor.

Candlenuts:

• 684 calories
• 1.2g carbs
• 69g fat
• 6.7g protein

benefits: Rich in healthy fats and protein, candlenuts may contribute to a balanced diet but should be consumed in moderation.

Ground Coriander:

• 298 calories
• 52g carbs
• 17g fat
• 41g protein

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties; it's also a good source of dietary fiber.

Ground Turmeric:

• 312 calories
• 67g carbs
• 3.3g fat
• 10g protein

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, turmeric may also contribute to improved joint health.

Bean Sprouts:

• 31 calories
• 6.4g carbs
• 0.4g fat
• 1.5g protein

Cabbage:

• 25 calories
• 6g carbs
• 0.1g fat
• 2.5g fiber
• 1.3g protein

Proteins:

Chicken (cooked):

• 165 calories
• 0g carbs
• 3.6g fat
• 31g protein

benefits: A lean source of protein, chicken provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle development and repair.

Prawns (cooked):

• 85 calories
• 0.9g carbs
• 0.7g fat
• 18g protein

benefits: Low in fat and calories, prawns are rich in protein and provide essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.

Carbohydrates:

Rice Vermicelli (cooked):

• 191 calories
• 43g carbs
• 0.6g fat
• 2.2g protein

benefits: A source of carbohydrates, rice vermicelli provides energy and can be part of a balanced diet.

Broth and Flavorings:

Chicken Broth:

• 4 calories
• 0.1g carbs
• 0.1g fat
• 0.9g protein

benefits: Contains vitamins and minerals, helps with hydration, and may have immune-boosting properties.

Lemongrass (for flavor):

• 99 calories
• 25g carbs
• 0.5g fat
• 1.8g fiber
• 1.8g protein

benefits: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (for flavor):

• 43 calories
• 8.2g carbs
• 0.6g fat
• 1.7g fiber
• 1.7g protein

benefits: Imparts a unique citrusy and floral flavor to the broth.

Others:

Cooking Oil:

• 884 calories
• 0g carbs
• 100g fat
• 0g protein

benefits: Provides necessary fats for cooking; using healthier oils can contribute to heart health.

Hard-boiled eggs:

• 155 calories
• 1.1g carbs
• 10.6g fat
• 12.6g protein

benefits: A good source of protein, eggs also contain essential nutrients like choline and vitamin B12.

Fried Shallots:

• 531 calories
• 54g carbs
• 33g fat
• 8.5g protein

benefits: Adds a crispy texture and savory flavor to the dish.

Fresh Cilantro:

• 23 calories
• 3.7g carbs
• 0.5g fat
• 2.1g protein

benefits: Adds freshness and a burst of flavor; cilantro is also a source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. It's always advisable to check product labels for accurate information.