Lomi soup is a delicious and filling Filipino noodle dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. It is made with thick egg noodles, a rich broth, and topped with various meats and vegetables. Lomi soup is popular in many regions of the Philippines, and each place has its own unique twist on this comforting dish.
To make lomi soup, you will need a few key ingredients such as chicken or pork meat, shrimp, garlic, onions, and vegetables like cabbage and carrots. The broth is typically made by simmering these ingredients with spices and seasonings for a rich and flavorful base. The star of the dish, however, is the thick egg noodles, which give lomi soup its distinctive texture and taste.
Once the broth is ready, the noodles are cooked separately until they reach the desired consistency. The cooked noodles are then added to the broth along with the meats and vegetables. The soup is simmered until all the flavors meld together and the noodles are fully coated in the delicious broth.
To serve lomi soup, it is often topped with crunchy garlic bits, sliced spring onions, and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice for a tangy kick. Some variations also include a beaten egg that is added to the soup, creating a creamy and velvety texture. Lomi soup is best enjoyed hot and steaming, making it a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal.
What is Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup is a popular Filipino dish that originated in Batangas. It is a thick and hearty noodle soup made with fresh egg noodles, meat, vegetables, and various flavorings. Lomi soup is known for its comforting and warming qualities, making it a perfect comfort food during cold weather or rainy days.
The dish usually includes sliced pork, chicken, or both as the meat ingredients. It also typically contains a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms. The noodles used in lomi soup are thick and egg-based, giving the soup a rich and chewy texture.
What sets lomi soup apart from other noodle soups is its thick and gooey broth. The broth is made by simmering the meat and vegetables for a long period of time, allowing their flavors to meld together and create a savory base. Cornstarch or flour is then added to thicken the broth, giving it its signature consistency.
Lomi soup is often garnished with toppings such as sliced hard-boiled eggs, crushed chicharon (pork cracklings), chopped spring onions, and a squeeze of calamansi (a local citrus fruit). These toppings add a burst of freshness and texture to the dish.
Overall, lomi soup is a delicious and filling dish that showcases the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting meal or looking to explore new flavors, lomi soup is definitely worth a try.
Ingredients for Lomi Soup
When preparing lomi soup, you will need the following ingredients:
For the broth:
- 1 kg pork meat (preferably pork belly), cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- 2 liters water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the soup:
- 500 grams fresh lomi noodles
- 1 head garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken liver, sliced
- 2 pieces hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Spring onions and toasted garlic for garnish
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting the cooking process for a delicious bowl of lomi soup!
Preparing the Noodles
Before you start cooking the lomi soup, you need to prepare the noodles. Lomi noodles are thick and chewy, giving the soup its distinct texture and flavor.
1. Soak the Noodles
Place the lomi noodles in a large bowl and cover them with water. Soak the noodles for about 15 minutes to soften them.
2. Drain and Rinse
After soaking, drain the water from the noodles and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. This helps remove any excess starch from the noodles and prevents them from becoming too sticky.
Once the noodles are rinsed, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients for the lomi soup.
How to Cook Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup is a popular Filipino noodle dish that is comforting and flavorful. It consists of thick egg noodles cooked in a rich and savory broth, along with various meats, vegetables, and toppings. If you want to learn how to cook lomi soup, follow these steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thick egg noodles (lomi noodles)
- 1/2 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the pork belly and chicken breast. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- Gradually pour the slurry into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to thicken the broth.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Divide the cooked noodles into individual serving bowls.
- Ladle the lomi soup over the noodles and top with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Garnishing Lomi Soup
Once your lomi soup is cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and garnish it to enhance its presentation and flavors.
Serving Lomi Soup
To serve lomi soup, you will need individual bowls or soup plates. Ladle the hot soup into each bowl, making sure to distribute the noodles, meats, and vegetables evenly. Serve the soup while it is still hot to enjoy its comforting flavors.
Serve your lomi soup with a side plate of calamansi wedges or lime wedges. Squeezing these citrus fruits into the soup before eating can help enhance its flavors.
Garnishing Lomi Soup
To garnish lomi soup, you can add any or all of the following toppings:
Fried Garlic: Mince some garlic cloves and fry them in oil until golden brown. Sprinkle the fried garlic on top of the lomi soup for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Chopped Spring Onions: Finely chop some fresh spring onions and sprinkle them on top of the soup. Spring onions add a refreshing and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and place them on the soup. The creamy yolk and protein-rich egg whites complement the lomi soup’s rich and hearty taste.
Chicharon: Crush or grind some chicharon, which are fried pork rinds, and sprinkle them on top of the soup. Chicharon adds a crispy and savory element to each spoonful of lomi.
Soy Sauce and Calamansi Dip: Prepare a dipping sauce by combining soy sauce and calamansi juice in a small bowl. Dip each spoonful of lomi soup into the sauce before eating to add tanginess and saltiness.
Feel free to get creative with your lomi soup garnishes and adjust them according to your preferences. The above suggestions are just some popular choices.
Variations of Lomi Soup
Lomi soup is a versatile dish that allows for various ingredients and combinations. Here are three popular variations of lomi soup:
1. Seafood Lomi Soup
This variation of lomi soup adds a delightful seafood twist to the traditional recipe. Along with the usual ingredients such as thick noodles, chicken, and vegetables, seafood ingredients like shrimp, squid, and fish balls are added. The seafood flavors complement the rich and hearty broth, creating a delicious and flavorful soup.
2. Beef Lomi Soup
If you prefer a meaty option, beef lomi soup is an excellent choice. This variation replaces chicken with beef, usually using beef shanks or beef brisket. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and adds a savory depth of flavor to the soup. The beef lomi soup often includes other ingredients like mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
3. Vegetable Lomi Soup
For those seeking a vegetarian or lighter option, vegetable lomi soup is a great alternative. This variation excludes meat and seafood, focusing on a variety of vegetables to create a nutritious and tasty soup. Popular vegetables to include in the vegetable lomi soup are cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The soup base remains the same, providing a comforting and satisfying dish without the meat or seafood components.
These are just a few examples of the many ways to customize lomi soup according to your preferences. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of this beloved Filipino dish!
FAQ
What ingredients are needed to cook lomi soup?
Lomi soup requires the following ingredients: chicken breast, garlic, onion, cooking oil, chicken broth, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, lomi noodles, salt, and pepper.
Can I use other meat instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with other meats such as pork or beef, depending on your preference.
How long does it take to cook lomi soup?
The cooking time for lomi soup is approximately 40 minutes.
Can lomi soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze lomi soup. It is best to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have lomi noodles?
If you don’t have lomi noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles such as egg noodles or udon noodles.
What is lomi soup?
Lomi soup is a Filipino noodle soup dish made with thick egg noodles, meat (usually pork), and various vegetables. It is a popular comfort food in the Philippines.