Discover the authentic taste of Thukpa, a traditional Himalayan noodle soup perfect for cold weather. This hearty dish can be made with your choice of meat or vegetables, offering a delicious blend of spices and flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a comforting bowl of Thukpa at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g noodles (rice noodles or wheat noodles)

- 200g meat (chicken, beef, or pork) or 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1-inch ginger, minced

- 1 tomato, chopped

- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh coriander or green onions for garnish

- Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: If using meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using vegetables, chop them into small, even pieces.

Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using). Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.

Cook the Meat or Vegetables: Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. If using vegetables, add them now and cook until slightly tender.

Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the turmeric powder and garam masala (or curry powder), followed by the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the spices are fragrant.

Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Soy Sauce and Noodles: Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked noodles and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve: Ladle the Thukpa into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander or green onions. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of Thukpa!

Nutritional Values

Noodles (200g)

Rice Noodles:

   - Calories: About 110 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 25 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Gluten-free option, providing carbohydrates for energy.

Wheat Noodles:

   - Calories: About 130 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 25 grams

   - Fat: 1 gram

   - Protein: 4 grams

Benefits: Provides protein and carbohydrates. Contains gluten.

Meat (200g) or Mixed Vegetables (1 cup)

Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Pork):

   - Calories: About 165 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Fat: 3.6 grams

   - Protein: 31 grams

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients such as B vitamins and iron.

Mixed Vegetables (1 cup)

   - Calories: About 35 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 8 grams

   - Fat: 0.5 grams

   - Protein: 1.5 grams

Benefits: Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Low in calories and fat.

Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: About 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  - Fat: 0.1 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and minerals like manganese.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: About 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ginger (1-inch piece, minced)

  - Calories: About 80 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

  - Fat: 0.8 grams

  - Protein: 1.8 grams

Benefits: Contains gingerol, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Tomato (1, chopped)

  - Calories: About 18 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 3.9 grams

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Protein: 0.9 grams

Benefits: Rich in vitamins C and A, potassium, and lycopene, which may support heart health.

Green Chilies (1-2, chopped, optional)

  - Calories: About 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Adds spiciness and contains vitamins A and C, and capsaicin which may boost metabolism.

Turmeric Powder (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: About 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.8 grams

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Garam Masala or Curry Powder (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: About 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.3 grams

  - Fat: 0.3 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Adds complex flavors and may contain spices with anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)

  - Calories: About 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides some nutrients. Low in calories and fat.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: About 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Adds umami flavor and contains small amounts of protein and minerals.

Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: About 120 kcal

  - Fat: 14 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Used for cooking, adds necessary fats.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

 - Nutritional Values: Minimal calories and macronutrients.

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Salt should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Fresh Coriander or Green Onions (for garnish)

  - Calories: About 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.

Lemon Wedges (optional)

  - Calories: About 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Adds tangy flavor and vitamin C.

These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish with various health benefits.