Canh Khoai Mơ, or Vietnamese purple yam soup, is a comforting and visually stunning dish that's perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The vibrant purple hue of the sweet potato comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that contribute to this soup's nutritional value as well as its striking color. Beyond its beauty, Canh Khoai Mơ boasts a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, often enhanced with the richness of coconut milk and the aromatic complexity of herbs and spices. This subtly sweet and creamy soup is surprisingly easy to make, and a wonderful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
Its velvety texture and unique flavor profile will quickly make it a family favorite. Ready to experience the magic of Canh Khoai Mơ? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process outlined below to create this delicious and healthy Vietnamese soup.
Tools Needed
- 6-quart pot
- spoon
- knife
Ingredients
- Purple yam
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Dried shrimp: 4
- Fresh shrimp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Water: 6 cups
- Mushroom seasoning: 1/3 tsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Green onions
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp
- Rinse the dried shrimp and set aside.
- In a 6-quart pot, add 2 tbsp of oil. Add minced garlic and dried shrimp. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add in the fresh shrimp and sauté until they turn slightly pink.
Step 2. Simmer the Yam and Season
- Pour in 6 cups of water and let it simmer.
- Cut the purple yam in half, scrape the inside with a spoon, and put it in a bowl.
- When the water starts to bubble, add the yam and let it simmer for 10 minutes, removing any foam that forms.
- After 10 minutes, add 1/3 teaspoon mushroom seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix and continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3. Finish and Garnish
- Chop the green onions and set aside.
- Add chopped green onions and black pepper.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Remember to remove the foams while simmering.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 2-4g
- Carbs: 45-55g
- Protein: 5-7g
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of purple yams?
While the color will differ, regular sweet potatoes will work. The flavor will be slightly less sweet and the soup will be a light beige color instead of purple.
2. How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir continuously until the desired thickness is reached.
Enjoy your delicious and visually appealing bowl of Canh Khoai Mơ! This recipe is a testament to the simple elegance of Vietnamese cooking, offering a comforting and flavorful experience with minimal effort. We hope you'll share this vibrant soup with friends and family, delighting them with its unique taste and beautiful color.