Are you ready for a culinary journey to the heart of the Philippines? Today, we're diving into the delicious world of Iloilo Molo Soup, a heartwarming and flavorful noodle soup that's perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. This easy recipe delivers a rich, comforting broth brimming with delightful textures and tastes, making it one of the best recipes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your homemade cooking adventure, this recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe yields about 6 servings of this delicious and easy-to-make soup.
-
For the Broth:
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional, for a slightly richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis) – adjust to your preference
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
-
For the Molo:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil (for frying)
-
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cooked ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked small noodles (like thin vermicelli or even thin spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup chopped spring onions, for garnish
- Fried garlic, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This quick dinner idea is easier to make than you think!
Preparing the Broth: The Foundation of Flavor
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, onion, garlic, ginger, and celery. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful broth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, white pepper (if using), fish sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Making the Molo: Tiny Treasures of Flavor
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add water and beaten egg, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Add more water as needed to reach a soft, pliable dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (or a knife) to cut out small circles.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.
- Heat lard or oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the molo until golden brown on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Assembling and Serving: The Grand Finale
- Add the cooked noodles to the simmering broth.
- Gently add the fried molo to the soup. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped spring onions, fried garlic (if using), and cilantro or parsley (if using).
Tips and Variations: Personalize Your Molo Soup
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and shrimp and use more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and spinach in the filling.
- You can use other types of noodles, like egg noodles or even rice noodles.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This is an approximation and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade Iloilo Molo Soup! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's one of those dishes that warms your heart and soul with each delightful spoonful. Happy cooking!