Potsticker & Vegetable Soup

 

This cozy savoury potsticker soup is super easy to make and is ready in about 30 minutes. It's a fantastic weekday meal when you're pressed for time, although I enjoy making and eating this soup regardless of how much time I do or don't have. Using store bought potstickers and broth along with fresh herbs and vegetables elevates this flavourful recipe making it perfect for a cold winter day. 

     

Potsticker & Vegetable Soup

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1 bunch of green onions (scallions), trimmed

1 bunch fresh cilantro 

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced

1 (2 inch) piece lemongrass, bruised

1 whole dried chile

1/4 cup dry sherry or rice wine

8 cups (2 x 946ml cartons) low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 package (454 grams/20 pcs.) frozen chicken potstickers

1 x 5 ounce package (142 grams) baby spinach

1 cup frozen shelled edamame 

2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1 red chile, sliced

Cut the green onion whites into 2 - inch pieces and thinly slice the greens. 

Separate cilantro stems and leaves. Measure about a 1/4 cup of the stems and coarsely chop 1/4 cup of the leaves. Set aside. 

Heat 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil in a large stock pot over high heat. Add the green onion whites, cilantro stems, garlic, ginger, lemon grass and dried chile. Cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the dry sherry or rice wine, if using, and cook, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon, until mostly evaporated, about 1 minute. Add broth, cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the solids from the broth and discard. Add the potstickers to the broth, cover and return to simmer. Cook for 4 minutes. Stir in spinach and edamame; remove from heat and let stand, covered for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce. Serve topped with the green onion greens, cilantro leaves, 2 tablespoons sesame oil and red chile slices.  

Notes: Dumplings may used instead of potstickers. You may also try adding slices of carrots and cabbage when adding the potstickers to the broth. Water chestnuts make a great addition too. Also substituting Bok Choy or kale for the spinach.