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Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)
Canh Chua is a beloved Vietnamese soup that marries the tangy zest of tamarind with the freshness of vegetables and succulent fish. Originating from the Mekong Delta, this soup reflects the region's rich culinary heritage, showcasing the balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of freshness from the herbs and a delightful interplay of textures from the tender fish and crisp vegetables. Perfect as a light meal or an appetizer, Canh Chua is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Water
- 6 cups
- Tamarind pulp
- 1/2 cup
- Fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia)
- 1 lb, cut into large pieces
- Tomatoes
- 2 cups, chopped
- Pineapple
- 1 cup, diced
- Okra
- 1 cup, sliced
- Bean sprouts
- 1 cup
- Chili peppers
- 2-3, sliced (adjust to taste)
- Fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons
- Sugar
- 1 tablespoon
- Salt
- to taste
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil)
- 1/2 cup, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the tamarind pulp to the boiling water and simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavor.
- Strain the tamarind broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds, returning the clear broth to the pot.
- Bring the tamarind broth back to a boil and gently add the fish fillets. Cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully remove the fish fillets from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, diced pineapple, sliced okra, and bean sprouts to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
- Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Return the cooked fish fillets to the pot and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the Canh Chua hot, garnished with fresh herbs and sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve with steamed rice or rice noodles to make it a complete meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Soup Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Calories: 220 Fat: 5g Carbs: 30g Protein: 20g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 6g
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