“Secret Ingredient” Kung Fu Panda Soup

As soon as they tasted this soup, my children declared it “Kung Fu Panda Soup” even though it does lack the noodles of Mr. Pings “Secret Ingredient Noodle Soup.” With its Asian flavors and Po’s favorite dumplings it reminded them of this DreamWorks film’s famous soup. Make a big pot of this soup while watching Po save the village and find himself along the way. And that secret ingredient? Nothing, it is only special because they think it is special.

Kung Fu Panda Soup
1 pound bag frozen potstickers, or any favorite Asian Dumpling*
1/3 cup water
2 T. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. ginger paste, or 1/2 tsp. ground ginger powder, or 1/2 inch fresh diced fine
4 cups chicken broth
3 green onions sliced, green and white parts- optional but nice

In a large skillet with fitted lid, place potstickers*- I used Trader Joe’s, water and oil. Place lid on top and cook over med-high heat until potstickers are steamed through. Remove lid and let the water cook off. Turning potstickers often let them fry in the remaining oil until golden and crispy. Add broth, ginger, and onion slices. Heat through until hot. Ladle into bowls. Serves 5.

While I have not cooked in a Hostel Kitchen, I have cooked in soup, camp, USO, church, bed and breakfast, and mission kitchens here in the US and abroad. The big takeaway from cooking in these various kitchens is this: carry your own sharp knife (if you can), and pack some of your own spices. I suggest a daily pill box for your spices as one time I packed my very suspicious white vanilla powder, that I use for icings, in a tiny plastic bag- it never made it to my final destination. Hmmm. Can you hear the airport security call now? “Paging Dr. Pepper, we have a code Betty Crocker, Agent Duncan Hines is tripping on some bad blow that smells like cake.” This little one pot soup will take you far in your travels and warm the cockles of your heart. Want something a little more European? Try my Pierogi Soup.

This recipe has been submitted to HostelBookers.com Backpacker Recipe Guide recipe contest.

Tschüs! GuteFahrt.