Chao Long - Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup

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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.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Pork intestines (1 pound, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Pork bones (2 pounds)
  • Rice noodles (8 ounces)
  • Fresh ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, sliced)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Shallots (2, thinly sliced)
  • Lemongrass (2 stalks, bruised and cut into pieces)
  • Fish sauce (3 tablespoons)
  • Sugar (1 tablespoon)
  • Chili peppers (2, sliced (adjust to taste))
  • Bean sprouts (1 cup)
  • Fresh herbs (1 cup (cilantro and thai basil))
  • Lime (1, cut into wedges)
  • Water (10 cups)

Instructions

  1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pork intestines; rinse them under cold water multiple times and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. While the broth simmers, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. After the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids, keeping only the flavorful liquid.
  6. To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles generously.
  7. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, sliced chili peppers, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and aromatic flavors of Chao Long!

Dietary Information

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