Lala Helps Mom Cook Healthy Soup from Tofu and Peanuts!

It was a bright and sunny morning in Lala’s cozy little house. The sunlight streamed gently through the windows, casting warm patterns on the kitchen floor. Today was a special day because Lala had promised her mom that she would help cook a healthy soup for the family. The soup wasn’t just any soup — it was a nourishing, delicious tofu and peanut soup, one of Mom’s favorite recipes that had been passed down through generations.

Lala loved cooking with her mom. Cooking together was more than just preparing food; it was a time filled with laughter, stories, and learning. Today, she was especially excited because Mom had decided it was time for Lala to learn how to make this particular soup all by herself, with a little guidance.

“Mom, what do we need first?” Lala asked eagerly as she tied her apron around her small waist.

Mom smiled and opened the cupboard, pulling out the ingredients. “Alright, Lala. We’ll need some soft tofu, raw peanuts, garlic, ginger, carrots, green onions, a little soy sauce, and some vegetable broth. This soup is packed with good nutrition and tastes amazing. You ready to start?”

Lala nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I want to learn everything.”

First, Mom showed Lala how to prepare the peanuts. “These raw peanuts need to be soaked in water overnight,” she explained. “Soaking makes them soft and easier to cook. Since we didn’t soak them last night, we’ll boil them for a while to soften them.”

Together, they poured the peanuts into a pot of water and set it on the stove. While the peanuts began to cook, Mom handed Lala a small chopping board and a plastic knife. “We’ll need to chop the garlic and ginger finely, so their flavors blend well in the soup.”

Lala carefully peeled a clove of garlic and then minced it under Mom’s watchful eye. “Be careful with your fingers, Lala,” Mom reminded gently. “We want to chop slowly and safely.”

Once the garlic was ready, Lala moved on to the ginger. She loved the fresh, spicy smell of ginger. It reminded her of warm winter days when Mom made ginger tea to keep everyone cozy. “It smells so good!” Lala giggled as she chopped.

Next came the carrots. Mom peeled a bright orange carrot and showed Lala how to slice it into thin rounds. “Carrots add sweetness and color,” Mom said. “Plus, they’re full of vitamins.”

The peanuts had boiled for nearly 40 minutes, and the kitchen was filled with a nutty aroma. Mom checked them by pressing one between her fingers. “Perfect! They’re soft now. Let’s drain the water.”

While the peanuts drained, Mom carefully cut the tofu into small cubes. “Tofu is very healthy,” she said. “It’s full of protein and very gentle on the stomach. We want to be gentle with it so it doesn’t break too much in the soup.”

Lala took her time, carefully cutting the tofu with the plastic knife. Some pieces crumbled, but Mom reassured her, “That’s okay. It will still taste great!”

Mom then heated a bit of oil in the big soup pot. “Now, we sauté the garlic and ginger just until they’re fragrant,” she said.

Lala watched the sizzling sounds and smelled the wonderful aroma filling the kitchen. “It smells like magic!” she whispered.

After a minute, Mom added the boiled peanuts and carrot slices to the pot. “We’ll let these cook together for a few minutes so the flavors mix well.”

Then came the exciting part. Mom poured in the vegetable broth — clear, warm, and savory. Lala’s eyes widened. “Wow! It looks like a golden sea.”

Mom added a splash of soy sauce for seasoning and gently stirred. “Now, we add the tofu last because it’s delicate.”

Lala carefully dropped the tofu cubes into the soup. “Be gentle, like holding a baby bird,” Mom said with a smile.

The soup simmered quietly, and Lala helped by stirring gently every few minutes. As the soup cooked, Mom told Lala about the history of the recipe. “My grandma used to make this soup when she wanted to nourish the family after a hard day. It’s simple but full of love and care.”

Lala imagined Grandma cooking in a small kitchen many years ago, smiling as the family gathered around the table. “I want to make this soup for Grandma someday,” she said dreamily.

Mom laughed softly. “I’m sure Grandma would be very proud.”

After about 20 minutes, the soup was ready. Mom chopped some fresh green onions and sprinkled them on top. “This adds a fresh crunch and a little color,” she explained.

Lala carried the pot carefully to the dining table. The soup looked inviting — golden broth with soft tofu cubes, tender peanuts, and bright carrots swimming in harmony.

As the family gathered, Mom ladled the soup into bowls and handed one to Lala. “You did a great job helping today.”

Lala smiled brightly. “I’m so happy! It tastes amazing!”

Her dad took a spoonful and nodded. “Delicious and healthy — just perfect.”

Lala felt proud. Not only had she learned to cook a special soup, but she had also shared a moment of love with her mom.

After dinner, Lala helped clear the table. “Mom, can we cook this again next week?” she asked.

“Of course, Lala. Cooking together is one of the best things we can do,” Mom said, hugging her daughter gently.

That night, as Lala lay in bed, she thought about all the flavors and smells of the soup. She felt warm inside, knowing that food wasn’t just about filling the stomach but about sharing care and happiness with the people she loved.

The Recipe for Lala’s Tofu and Peanut Soup

If you want to try making this healthy soup at home, here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw peanuts (soaked overnight or boiled for 40 minutes)
  • 1 block soft tofu, cut into cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Soak raw peanuts overnight in water, or boil them for 40 minutes until soft.
  2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add boiled peanuts and carrot slices. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  6. Gently add tofu cubes and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  7. Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!