Chicken Thukpa

• rice noodles↗1 lb
• chicken broth↗6 cups
• grilled chicken breast, cut into very thin 1/8 inch slices1⁄2 lb
• carrot, julienned↗1⁄2 cup
• red bell pepper, julienned↗1⁄2 cup
• celery, julienned↗1⁄2 cup
• spinach, washed and cut into pieces↗1 cup
• cooking oil1 tablespoon
• salt and pepper, as needed
• chopped cilantro (to garnish)1 tablespoon
• Soup Paste↗
• garlic, minced↗1 teaspoon
• ginger, minced↗1 teaspoon
• fresh red chili peppers↗2
• cherry tomatoes↗1⁄2 cup
• shallots, finely chopped↗2
• tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced↗1
• teaspoon toasted cumin seed↗1
• teaspoon turmeric↗1⁄2
• teaspoon szechwan peppercorn (timur)↗1⁄2
• teaspoon asafoetida powder1⁄16
• tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice↗1

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cook noodles in boiling salted water until slightly undercooked.

2. 2

   Drain and rinse; reserve in a large bowl.

3. 3

   In a blender, mix all soup paste ingredients into a thick paste; reserve in a small bowl.

4. 4

   In a sauce pan heat cooking oil; add soup paste, fry for 30 seconds or so.

5. 5

   Add chicken broth; mix well.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil; set heat to low and cook for a few minutes; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Add all vegetables into the soup mixture; cook for a few minutes or until tender.

8. 8

   You may add more broth if a soupier consistency is desired.

9. 9

   Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

10. 10

    To serve, pour soup broth into a serving bowl and add grilled chicken slices and cooked rice noodles. Serve immediately.

11. 11

    Add hot chili sauce or tomato achar to the soup if you desire spicy soup broth.

12. 12

    Garnish with chopped cilantro.