A Deliciously Tasty Eel Soup Recipe
This deliciously tasty eel soup recipe is a great addition to any cuisine, especially as the weather starts to turn. It’s an excellent wintertime dish but it can also be enjoyed during the warmer months, serving as a wonderful delicacy for families in search of something new to add to their collective palate. Of course, there is much to be learned about this amazing recipe before digging in.
We are more than happy to provide you with the necessary background information, as well as some valuable tips and pointers. With the help of this valuable guide, you can learn everything that you need to know and then some. Be sure to read on….
Eel Soup’s History
The historical origins of eel soup are a fascinating topic to dive into, as the dish has roots in any number of regions throughout the world. It first came to prominence as a common meal choice for those who reside in regions that are adjacent to coastal land, as well as rivers and lakes. The Greeks, Japanese and Romans have all put their own spin on eel soup and have always recognized its culinary value.
Now that the soup has had a chance to evolve through the centuries, the blend of innovation and tradition cannot be beaten. Eels have been appreciated and praised as a great source of nutritious meals for quite some time now, as the ancient Romans have often been credited with coming up with a wide range of recipes. England, France, and the Netherlands carried on this proud tradition through the Middle Ages, as the soup became a European fixture.
During the Middle Ages, eels were always plentiful in the coastal regions. This provided the citizens of these areas with lots of soup that remained readily available to them. They were commonly cooked and served for various celebrations and were also favored by the royals of the time period. Eel soup also holds a very important place within Asian culture.
Korea, China and Japan have a long, storied history when it comes to eel soup, as the Chinese revered the dish for its ability to improve overall well-being. They are also of the belief that eel soup is able to enhance one’s energy levels. The Japanese take on the dish is known as “undadon”, which is served with sweet and savory soy sauce, on a bed of white rice. It is beloved within the culture for its soft feel and delicate flavoring.
The Symbolism of Eel Soup
In addition to serving as a pillar of various cultural cuisines due to its health benefits, eel soup also holds a place of significance from a symbolic standpoint. Since it is so commonly associated with folklore and various religious practices, eel soup is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. They are believed to symbolize luck, resilience and transformation.
Eel soup is also served at any number of festivities around the world for these same reasons. For example, the Dutch city of Volendam is proud to host an annual Eel Smoke Festival. At these gatherings, eel soup is served after they have already been caught and smoked. It provides the region with a valuable opportunity to showcase its vibrant cultural and culinary traditions.
How To Choose The Best Eel
If you have never had eel before, it may be difficult to decide on the best one. That’s why we are here to help you out with a few simple pointers. As any semi-experienced chef can tell you, every dish is only as good as the ingredients that are being used. In order to prepare the best possible soup, you will need fresh, high-quality.
After all, you can’t reasonably expect to enjoy a deliciously tasty eel soup recipe if you are not putting in the proper time and effort beforehand. You will want to choose an eel that is hard, with a shiny surface. The eyes of the eel should also be clear. It is important for those who support sustainable practices to make the right choices as well. This is how ethical practices will continue to remain at the forefront of the conversation.
Prep + Cook Time
While there are some eel soup recipes that may take a longer period of time to prepare, this particular variation is a great choice for any family that is on the go. It is a nutritious and delicious option for those who are not looking to resort to less healthy options that can be had more quickly. Best of all, this eel soup recipe can be prepared in less than an hour. The prep time will only take 20 minutes, while the cooking time is only going to take about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- Eel fish (1 fish, about 500 grams)
- Fresh ginger (1/2 inch)
- Garlic cloves (10)
- Black pepper powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Medium onions (2)
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon)
- Salt the soup to personal taste
- Add a pinch of ajinomoto
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon)
- Cardamom, clove and cinnamon powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: The eel fish needs to be washed and rubbed with a salt circle being placed around the neck with the usage of a knife. The fish is then skinned by pulling the skin down from the cut that was placed on the neck. Make sure that your hands are gloved for this part but the skin should come off quite easily. Chop the head and toss it out, while reserving the blood. Do not wash the fish before cutting it into smaller pieces.
- Step 2: Finely chop the half inch of ginger, 5 cloves of garlic and one of your onions. Grind up the remaining onion, garlic and ginger into a paste.
- Step 3: Mix the half teaspoon of salt, the turmeric powder, chopped pieces of ginger, onion and garlic with the pieces of eel (as well as the blood).
- Step 4: Pressure cook the ingredients in three cups of water. This step should take roughly 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and give it a chance to cool before decanting the liquid.
- Step 6: The cooked eel fish pieces are now removed. Take out the bones and grind the meat into a paste.
- Step 7: Grab a pan and set the heat on medium high. Heat the oil and add the garlic paste, onion and ginger to the pan.
- Step 8: Once the paste has browned slightly, add the grated fish. Add the decanted liquid next and cook for at least 5 minutes.
- Step 9: As a finishing touch, add a pinch of ajinomoto, clove, cardamom, cinnamon powder and sugar. If necessary, add hot water, which should produce roughly 4 cups of soup. Black pepper powder is sprinkled on next and from there, serve it hot. Enjoy!
