Claypot turtle soup is one of the more well-known dishes of traditional Chinese cuisine that is considered a timeless classic. With its multiple health benefits, people frequent the few turtle soup restaurants around the world to have a taste – but did you know there’s more to claypot turtle soup than meets the eye?
Turtle soup restaurants often have many versions of this dish and a lot of them have to do with the ingredients that were added in the broth. More often than not, they have their own set of vegetables that they use to produce their own take on the dish, creating a signature taste that is distinct to each respective restaurant.
With that being said, which vegetables can be added to claypot turtle soup? Aside from the flavors, some restaurants make their selection based on the health benefits certain vegetables provide, whereas others choose based upon the visual aesthetics.
Here are the types of vegetables that can enhance claypot turtle soup:
Carrots
Carrots are members of the family of vegetables known as roots, which are distinguished by having edible parts that develop underground. The vitamin A concentration of these brilliant orange veggies makes them ideal soup additives. This vitamin promotes proper eyesight while also strengthening the skin, teeth, and skeletal structure. A half-cup portion of carrots offers more than 180 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin A.
Celery
Celery is a low-calorie, high-vitamin-K vegetable with modest amounts of fiber and potassium. Vitamin K, which is fat-soluble, aids the body in the formation of blood clots. Use celery leaves as a garnish in your soup by chopping them up. They are abundant in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Calcium helps to build bones, magnesium is necessary for heart and muscle function, and antioxidants aid to absorb free radicals that cause chronic illnesses.
Turnips
Turnips are nutritious additions to soup because they are rich in fiber, folate, and the antioxidant anthoxanthins. Folate, a kind of vitamin B, is essential for making new red blood cells and aids in the breakdown of protein already in the body. Anthoxanthins are responsible for the white color of turnips. These compounds may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and a good source of vitamin K and vitamin C. Phytonutrients are another significant component of broccoli since these substances may avert many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Potatoes
Potatoes have a significant quantity of vitamin C, potassium, and iron for a starchy vegetable. Collagen, a protein that fortifies skin and connective tissue, can’t be made without vitamin C. Iron assists in oxygen transfer, whereas potassium helps with heart and muscle contractions and maintains acid-base equilibrium. Because of their rich vitamin A content and distinctive flavor, sweet potatoes make a great addition to a variety of soups. More than 150% of the daily value may be found in a single medium-sized sweet potato, at about 1,100 micrograms.
Asparagus
Asparagus is an excellent source of dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin K, iron, and folate and has very little carbohydrates. Asparagus also has a small amount of an amino acid called asparagine. Those with edoema and hypertension might benefit from less water retention.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many vegetables that can be added into claypot turtle soup. After all, soups in general tend to be the only dish that’s as flexible in customization as we can make it to be, which makes it difficult to decide whose dish is the best and most famous turtle soup in Singapore! So test out your creativity and choose the vegetables you want in your soup!
