As winter temperatures dip across many parts of India, warm and nourishing foods become a natural choice to stay comfortable and healthy. Among the many winter-friendly dishes, Veg Thukpa stands out as a wholesome, flavour-packed soup that not only warms the body from within but also provides a good balance of vegetables, spices, and carbohydrates.
Originally inspired by Tibetan cuisine, Thukpa is widely enjoyed in Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan regions of India. Over the years, it has also gained popularity in urban households and restaurants, especially during colder months. The dish is known for its versatility, as it can be easily customised with seasonal vegetables, preferred spice levels, and different types of noodles.
Food expert and celebrity chef Ranveer Brar recently shared a simple and easy-to-follow Veg Thukpa recipe that can be prepared at home with basic ingredients. The soup combines aromatic flavours, crunchy vegetables, and soft noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
*A Comforting Winter Bowl*
Veg Thukpa is not just about taste; it is also a nutritious option. The use of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, beans, spinach, or bok choy adds fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic, ginger, and green chillies bring warmth to the body and are known for their immunity-boosting properties, which are especially helpful during winter when colds and coughs are common.
The broth, prepared using vegetable stock or water, is enhanced with soy sauce and vinegar, giving the soup its signature tangy and umami-rich flavour. The addition of noodles makes it filling, turning it into a complete one-bowl meal that can keep you energised for hours.
*Step-by-Step Preparation*
To prepare Veg Thukpa at home, begin by heating oil in a deep pan or wok. Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chillies, and sauté for a minute until the aroma is released. Next, add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
Chopped tomatoes are then added and cooked until soft, followed by salt and pepper for basic seasoning. Vegetable stock or water is poured in, along with soy sauce and vinegar. The broth is allowed to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so that the flavours can develop properly.
Shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped beans are then added to the simmering broth. These vegetables should be cooked until tender yet slightly crunchy to maintain texture and freshness. Spinach or bok choy is added in the final minute to retain its bright green colour and nutrients.
Separately boiled noodles are placed in a serving bowl, and the hot vegetable soup is poured over them. The dish is finished with fresh coriander and a drizzle of chilli oil for those who enjoy extra heat. Lemon wedges can be served on the side for a refreshing tang.
*Perfect for Cold Evenings*
With its warming spices, nourishing vegetables, and comforting broth, Veg Thukpa is an ideal dish for winter evenings. Easy to make and packed with flavour, it is a great option for families looking for a healthy yet delicious homemade meal. Whether enjoyed as a light dinner or a hearty lunch, this winter favourite is sure to keep you warm and satisfied.
