Teresa's Recipes
Chao Long - Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup
Chao Long is a beloved Vietnamese rice noodle soup that offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a comforting meal, this dish features tender pork intestines simmered in a fragrant broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The soup is served over soft rice noodles and garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a splash of lime juice, making each bowl a refreshing and savory experience. This dish not only warms the soul but also celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, where each ingredient tells a story of tradition and love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces Pork intestines
- 2 pounds Pork bones
- 8 ounces Rice noodles
- 1 thumb-sized piece, sliced Fresh ginger
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2, thinly sliced Shallots
- 2 stalks, bruised and cut into pieces Lemongrass
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2, sliced (adjust to taste) Chili peppers
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 1 cup (cilantro and Thai basil) Fresh herbs
- 1, cut into wedges Lime
- 10 cups Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pork intestines; rinse them under cold water multiple times and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the pork bones, cleaned intestines, sliced ginger, minced garlic, shallots, bruised lemongrass, fish sauce, and sugar. Fill the pot with water until all ingredients are submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface for a clear broth.
- While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- After the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids, keeping only the flavorful liquid.
- To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles generously.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, sliced chili peppers, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and aromatic flavors of Chao Long!
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding more chili peppers or a splash of chili sauce.
- You can substitute pork intestines with other cuts of pork, such as belly or shoulder, if you're looking for a milder flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with Vietnamese spring rolls or a side of pickled vegetables.