Canh Rau Spinach voi Tom Vien, or Vietnamese Spinach and Shrimp Ball Soup, is a delightful and nourishing dish perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. This vibrant soup boasts the delicate sweetness of shrimp balls perfectly complementing the earthy spinach. Its simple yet flavorful broth is achieved with readily available ingredients, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all levels. The combination of textures – the tender spinach, the bouncy shrimp balls, and the comforting broth – creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe is a celebration of fresh, healthy ingredients and showcases the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine's simplicity. Beyond its deliciousness, Canh Rau Spinach voi Tom Vien offers a quick and easy weeknight meal option. Ready to dive into creating this delicious soup? Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to prepare this delicious Vietnamese classic.
Tools Needed
- Pestle or meat hammer
- Medium saucepan
- Knives
- Cutting board
- Spoons
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Green onions
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Fish sauce
- Chicken broth: 1 can
- Water: 1 can
- Spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp Balls
- Chop green onion tops for garnish. Thinly slice and mince the green onion bottoms.
- Cut shrimp in half lengthwise, then gently smash each piece with a pestle or meat hammer to create a springy texture.
- Mince the shrimp, incorporating the green onions, and season with sugar and black pepper.
- Add a small amount of fish sauce to the shrimp mixture.
Step 2. Cook the Soup and Shrimp Balls
- In a saucepan, combine chicken broth and one can of water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Using two spoons, scoop out small portions of the shrimp mixture, forming balls, and gently drop them into the boiling broth. Cook quickly, turning occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3. Add Spinach and Season
- Add spinach to the soup and stir. Season with more fish sauce to taste.
- Cook for another 3 minutes.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Before serving, sprinkle with black pepper and garnish with green onion tops.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- If you need more time to form the shrimp balls, turn off the heat while you work.
- Adjust the fish sauce to your preferred taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp?
Yes! Ground chicken or pork would work well as alternatives. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
2. What if I don't have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach can be used. Just thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup.
3. How can I make the shrimp balls ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp balls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add them to the simmering broth during the last few minutes of cooking.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of Canh Rau Spinach voi Tom Vien! This simple recipe delivers big on flavor and is sure to become a new family favorite. From start to finish, this comforting soup is a testament to the beauty of fresh, uncomplicated Vietnamese cuisine.