Easy Clam & Mustard Green Soup Recipe

Clam and mustard green soup is a refreshing, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. It’s not only an effective cooling soup for summer days but also provides many beneficial minerals for health. Let’s learn how to cook this authentic clam and mustard green soup through the article below.

Ingredients Needed

To cook clam and mustard green soup, you need the following ingredients:

• Mustard Greens: 1 bunch (about 300g)
• Fresh Clams: 500 grams
• Fresh Chilies: 2-3
• Ginger: 1 small piece
• Common Seasonings: Salt, seasoning powder, MSG (optional), sugar, cooking oil

Main ingredients for clam and mustard green soup: fresh clams, mustard greens, ginger, chili

Detailed Instructions for Cooking Clam and Mustard Green Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cleaning the Clams:
Clams often contain a lot of sand, so thorough preparation is crucial. Here are two common ways to effectively remove sand from clams:

• Method 1: Soak the clams in diluted saltwater mixed with a few slices of chili for about 1-2 hours to allow them to purge the sand. Then rinse thoroughly and briefly boil for 3-5 minutes to separate the shells.
• Method 2: Dissolve a mixture of water with a little cooking oil and salt, then soak the clams for 1-2 hours. This method helps the clams contract and expel sand more effectively.

Preparing the Mustard Greens:

• Wash the mustard greens thoroughly, trim off the tough stems and any wilted leaves.
• Cut the greens into bite-sized pieces (about 4-5cm).

Preparing the Ginger:

• Peel the ginger, wash it, and crush or mince it finely to enhance the soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Clam and Mustard Green Soup

1. Boil the Clams:

   • Put the clams in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the clams open their shells.
   • Remove the clam meat, discard the shells. Strain the clam broth to use for the soup, ensuring no sediment remains.

2. Stir-fry the Clams:

   • Heat a little cooking oil in a pan and sauté the ginger until fragrant. Then add the clam meat and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes. Season lightly so the clams absorb the flavor.

3. Cook the Soup:

   • Bring the strained clam broth to a boil.
   • When the water boils, add the mustard greens and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the stir-fried clam meat to the pot. Season with salt, seasoning powder, MSG (optional), and sugar to taste.
   • Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

A bowl of finished clam and mustard green soup, ready to serve

Tips for Better Clam and Mustard Green Soup

• Choose Fresh Clams: Fresh clams will have a distinctive aroma, tightly closed shells, and no foul odor.
• Clean Sand Thoroughly: Always ensure the clams are soaked and rinsed meticulously to remove all sand.
• Don’t Overcook: Mustard greens cook quickly, so avoid overcooking them to maintain their crispness and vibrant green color.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning according to your family’s taste preferences.

Health Benefits of Clam and Mustard Green Soup

• Rich in Nutrients: Clams are high in protein, iron, and zinc, while mustard greens provide vitamins A, C, and fiber.
• Aids Digestion: Mustard greens have cooling properties, promote regularity, and effectively relieve constipation.
• Cools the Body: This soup is very suitable for cooling down on hot days.

Conclusion

With its simple method and easily accessible ingredients, clam and mustard green soup is undoubtedly an excellent choice for family meals. Not only does it offer a delicious flavor, but this soup also provides many essential nutrients for health. Try applying the recipe above to prepare this nutritious dish!

Have you tried cooking clam and mustard green soup yet? Share your thoughts on this dish in the comments section below!