Vietnamese Sour Soup with River Leaf (Canh Chua La Giang)

La Giang, also called River Leaf, mainly grows in Southeast Asian countries. During my recent trip to Vietnam, I made sure to bring some home with me. The leaves were boiled, frozen, and tucked neatly into my check-in baggage. Now when I have that craving for Canh Chua, I just thaw out my frozen boiled La Giang and I'm ready to go.

Vietnamese Kabocha Squash Soup with Pork Ribs (Canh Bi Do Nau Suon Heo)

A delicious and hearty traditional Vietnamese pumpkin soup to accompany steamed rice. The kabocha squash adds a natural sweetness to the soup, while the pork ribs provide a savory depth of flavor to the broth.

Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Soup with Squid (Canh Chua Muc)

Time and time again, I proclaimed Canh Chua is the best Vietnamese soup for a Vietnamese home cooked meal. I just love the smorgasbord of bold flavors: sweet, sour and spicy. Plus, you can use whatever protein and vegetables you like. The only requirements are the tomatoes (for the vibrant red color), and the green aromatic garnish of either Thai Basil, Culantro, or Rice Paddy Herbs. The rest is entirely up to you. For this version, I use squid for the protein and thin Enoki mushrooms for the vegetables. And of course, loads and loads of Thai chili for that wonderful kick of heat. Nothing makes me happier than a very spicy Canh Chua that makes me cry.

canhVicky PhamAugust 7, 2017Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Soup with Squid, Canh Chua Muc, canh chua mực, soup, canh, squidComment

Vietnamese Papaya Soup with Pork (Canh Du Du Nau Thit Nac)

Vietnamese folk remedy says Papaya Soup, or Canh Du Du, stimulates lactation in new mothers. Whether it's true or not, I surely didn't complain when I was endlessly served Canh Du Du after the birth of my children. Canh Du Du and Vietnamese Sour Catfish Soup (Canh Chua) are two my favorite Vietnamese soups.

canhVicky PhamMay 3, 2017Vietnamese Papaya Soup with Pork, papaya, soup, canh, Canh Đu Đủ Nấu Thịt Nạc, porkComment

Vietnamese Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Canh Bap Cai Cuon Thit)

When eating a Vietnamese rice dinner, it's not a complete meal unless you have a soup side dish, also known as Canh. One of the quickest and simplest Canh is ground pork with cabbage. It can, however, look dull in a bowl. To fancy it up, I would stuff cabbage leaves with ground pork and tie it with a green onion, making cute little packages of savory goodness. The taste is the same whether I stuff the cabbage or not, but it makes a pretty presentation. It requires a little bit more labor but it's a great way to fish for the needed compliments once in awhile.

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Vietnamese Fish Soup with Chinese Celery and Tomatoes (Canh Ca Nau Ngot)

Fish Soup with Chinese Celery and Tomatoes (Canh Ca Nau Ngot) is a traditional Vietnamese soup that can be whipped up in mere minutes. This soup is similar to the Vietnamese Sour Fish Soup (Canh Chua Ca) but it's more mild in flavor and utilizes fewer ingredients. It's a great alternative when you don't have all ingredients for Canh Chua.