Fruit Bat Soup | FoodieAtlas

Ingredients

2-3 whole fruit bats (or substitute with chicken if unavailable)
6 cups water or chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2-3 tomatoes, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base

If using fruit bats, clean and rinse them thoroughly. Remove any feathers or unwanted parts.

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Saut√© until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Soup

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they break down and start to release their juices.

Add the water or chicken broth, and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the fruit bats (or chicken), carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried oregano, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir well.

Simmer the soup for about 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through. If using chicken, cook until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.

Finish

Remove the fruit bats (or chicken) from the pot. If using fruit bats, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. Return the meat to the soup.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.