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Tofu Vegetable Soup with Bean Thread Noodles

This Asian-style soup is ideal when you’re in a hurry. It can be on the table in about twenty minutes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

One 3- to 4-ounce package bean thread (cellophane) noodles
One 32-ounce carton low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup snow peas, cut in half
1/2 medium red or orange bell pepper, cut into thin strips
4 to 6 ounces baby spinach or arugula
One 16-ounce tub firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 teaspoons minced fresh or jarred ginger
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a heatproof container, combine the noodles with enough boiling water to cover. Let stand, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well, then place on a cutting board and chop in several directions to shorten the noodles.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, combine the broth with 2 cups water in a soup pot. Bring to a simmer, then add the snow peas, bell pepper, spinach, tofu, ginger, and sesame oil. Cook briefly, just until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.

    Step 3

    Remove from the heat, stir in the noodles, and season with soy sauce and pepper to taste. Serve at once.

  2. menu suggestions

    Step 4

    This pairs nicely with Bok Choy, Edamame, Cashew, and Orange Rice (page 83). A platter of sliced bell peppers, daikon radish or turnip, and grape tomatoes or sliced tomatoes completes the meal.

  3. Step 5

    For a lighter meal, serve with store-bought vegan spring rolls and Bok Choy, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad (page 176).

  4. nutrition information

    Step 6

    Calories: 198

    Step 7

    Total Fat: 7.5g

    Step 8

    Protein: 14g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 20g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 3g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 435mg

Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).
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