A Light, Comforting Soup That Always Soothes: Sayur Bening Bayam

Some meals do not need to be rich or heavy to be deeply satisfying. Sayur Bening Bayam, a Malay-style clear spinach soup, is one of those dishes. Light, nourishing, and incredibly comforting, this soup is often served as part of a home-style meal that feels calming and grounding.

With simple ingredients and minimal seasoning, Sayur Bening Bayam lets the natural flavours of the vegetables shine. It is easy on the stomach, budget-friendly, and perfect for any day when you want something warm and wholesome.

Why Sayur Bening Ayam Is A Staple in Home Cooking

This soup works because of its simplicity. The clear broth draws flavour from ikan bilis, garlic, and shallots, creating a gentle savoury base without overpowering the vegetables.

Spinach cooks quickly and retains its freshness, while sweet potato adds subtle sweetness and body to the soup. Together, they create a balanced dish that feels light yet satisfying. It is a practical recipe that comes together fast and complements almost any main dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

Fresh

• 1 bunch of fresh spinach

• 1 sweet potato

Pantry Staples

• 1 sliced red chilli (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, sliced

• 3 sliced shallots

• 30g ikan bilis

• 4 cups water

• Salt and MSG, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.

2. Add garlic, shallots, and ikan bilis to the boiling water. Cook until fragrant.

3. Add spinach leaves and sweet potato wedges. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts. If using, add sliced red chillies.

4. Season with salt and MSG. Adjust to taste.

5. Turn off the heat and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sayur Bening Bayam as a light side dish alongside rice and richer mains such as fried fish, sambal dishes, or stir-fried meats. It also works well as a simple soup course for a balanced home-cooked meal.

Tips to Make It Better

• Do not overcook the spinach: Add it last to keep the leaves tender and vibrant.

  
  

• Clearer broth: Rinse ikan bilis lightly before cooking if you prefer a cleaner-tasting soup.

  
  

• Extra sweetness: Cut the sweet potato into larger chunks so they hold their shape and release flavour slowly.

A Simple Soup That Brings Comfort to the Table

With minimal ingredients and gentle flavours, it delivers warmth, nourishment, and balance in every bowl.

It is an easy recipe to return to whenever you need something light, soothing, and familiar.

Happy cooking!