Choosing the Perfect Yearlong Soup

Imagine having to stick to just one soup for an entire year, a scenario that might seem daunting but also intriguing. I’ve always been a fan of any hearty red meat stew, especially one that balances meat, vegetables, and a comforting texture. To address this scenario comprehensively, let's dive into the world of meat stews, soups in general, and a recreated Japanese dish called Tuna Steaks in a Bowl, which might be a perfect candidate to become the soup of a year.

The Perfect Meat Stew

A general, easy-to-make meat stew can be the sustaining solution for an entire year. Many traditional stews feature a sufficient amount of meat to get that satisfying taste, accompanied by a variety of vegetables and a generous portion of textured ingredients like brown rice and lentils. This stew isn’t just hearty but also flavorful, as it usually simmers for a long time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

We typically prepare a stew that can feed two people for two days. Making this meal is relatively simple; you can either use it right away for a quick soup or let it simmer slowly to achieve a more satisfying flavor. The best part about this stew is that its second serving is always more delicious, making it a daily delight. To make this stew, we split a pack of meat into three parts, using about 250 grams of beef to fill a 2-quart pot. We add a variety of vegetables, brown rice for texture, and a handful of lentils for thickness. This mixture makes a hearty and filling meal that can be whipped up quickly or simmered slowly, depending on your preference.

When we augment this stew with a chunk of bread, it becomes a complete and delicious meal. The combination of savory stew, soft bread, and a side salad can be effortlessly transformed into a fulfilling dinner. It's worth mentioning that our friend who runs a farm has a perpetually bubbling stewpot. They simply top it up with ingredients, and it’s ready to serve whenever someone drops by.

A Nutritious and Flavorful Japanese Dish

While the aforementioned meat stew is comforting and warming, if we were to explore other options, a dish like Tuna Steaks in a Bowl serves as a delightful alternative. This dish is not just visually appealing but also nutritionally balanced, with a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and a harmonious mix of flavors.

In 2000, the American Bar in Key West introduced a unique version of Tuna Steaks in a Bowl. A meticulous recreation of this dish turned out to be a remarkable achievement, capturing the essence of the original.

Ingredients:

4-8 oz. Tuna Steaks (Sushi Grade) 2 large Onions, Minced 1/2 cup Sugar 2 cups Soy Sauce 3 tablespoons Sesame Oil 1 cup Vegetable Oil Salt and Pepper to Taste 1 cup Rice Vinegar 1 cup Sesame Seeds 1/2 cup Black Sesame Seeds 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce 2 tablespoons Honey 1 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Chilies 1 orange for juice and zest Mango, peeled, cut in 1/4-inch cubes Red bell pepper, cut in 1/4-inch dice Fresh basil, finely chopped Red wine vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons Lime juice, 2 teaspoons Sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Marinade Preparation: Begin by whisking together the sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and rice vinegar in a large bowl to dissolve the sugar. Marinade the tuna for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the fish.

Crust Preparation: Mix the sesame seeds, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish. Crust one side of the tuna with the mixture and pan-sear it to reach your desired level of doness—rare or medium-rare.

Glazing: In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, cornstarch slurry, chilies, orange juice, and zest. Cook this glaze over medium heat until it thickens, then baste the seared tuna with it.

Salsa Preparation: In a medium bowl, gently mix the mango, red bell pepper, basil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and jalapeno pepper. Let this salsa sit at room temperature for half an hour or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. It's important to note that the salsa doesn't hold up well if refrigerated for too long and should be used within that time frame for best results.

Conclusion: Embracing Variety in Soups

No matter which soup you choose to live off for an entire year, the key is to find a meal that is both comforting and nourishing. Whether it's the traditional meat stew, the balanced Tuna Steaks in a Bowl, or any other soup that suits your taste, it's important to ensure that it's a dish you can look forward to making and eating every day.

Through careful preparation and enjoyment, a year of soup might seem challenging but can turn into a rewarding experience. Whether you opt for a hearty stew or a more exotic and flavorful Japanese dish, the experience of living off one meal for a year can be both enlightening and delicious. So why not embark on this culinary journey and see where it takes you?