Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Philippines with this incredibly simple yet soul-satisfying Corn and Malunggay Soup! Imagine a bowl brimming with sweet corn kernels, nutrient-packed moringa leaves, and a broth that whispers comfort in every spoonful. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines traditional Filipino flavors with incredible health benefits, promising to warm your heart and nourish your body in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup malunggay leaves (moringa)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the malunggay leaves thoroughly, removing them from stems. If using fresh corn, carefully cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely.
- Heat cooking oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add corn kernels to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing corn to become tender and infuse the broth with sweetness.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add malunggay leaves to the soup during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This preserves their vibrant green color and nutritional value.
- Remove pot from heat. Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnishing with additional fresh malunggay leaves if desired.
Tips
- For the freshest flavor, use fresh corn kernels when in season. If unavailable, high-quality frozen corn works wonderfully.
- To maximize nutrition, add malunggay leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their vibrant green color and nutrient profile.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- If you can't find fresh malunggay (moringa), some health food stores offer dried or powdered versions as alternatives.
- For a protein boost, consider adding shredded chicken or tofu to make the soup more substantial.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings gradually—the key to a perfect soup is balanced flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
