Dive into a culinary adventure with this recipe for a truly unforgettable Sour Soup featuring the savory depth of dried anchovies. This isn't your average soup; it's a harmonious blend of tangy, salty, and subtly sweet flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The unique combination of ingredients creates a surprisingly complex and delicious broth, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, or a flavorful starter to a more substantial feast. Imagine the rich aroma of simmering anchovies mingling with the bright acidity of tamarind or other souring agents – a symphony of taste waiting to be experienced.
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey unlike any other as we explore the simple yet rewarding process of crafting this remarkable Sour Soup with Dried Anchovies. From selecting the perfect dried anchovies to mastering the subtle balance of flavors, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and authentic result. Let's embark on this flavorful adventure together!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Sieve
Ingredients
- Dried anchovies: 200g
- Chili peppers: 2
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Shallots: 2
- Bean sprouts: 150g
- Ha (likely a type of vegetable): 80g
- Beans (type unspecified): 80g
- Tomatoes: 2
- Pineapple: 180g
- Ripe tamarind: 50g
- Coriander
- Vietnamese coriander
- Sugar
- Fish sauce
- Cooking oil
- Salt
- Seasoning powder
- Cornstarch
- Water: 1 liter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Anchovies
- Cut off the fish heads to prevent bitterness and unpleasant smell.
- Soak the anchovies in water for 15 minutes. Prepare other ingredients while waiting.
- Cut tomatoes in half and chop.
- Cut pineapple into diagonal triangles (1cm thick).
- Cut Ha into diagonal slices.
- Cut okra diagonally (1cm thick) after removing the stems and base.
- Chop coriander and Vietnamese coriander.
- Finely chop garlic, shallots, and chili.
- Knead and wash the soaked anchovies, remove the belly, and wash again 3 times to remove fishiness. Drain.
- Marinate the anchovies with 1/3 tsp sugar, 1 tsp fish sauce, and half of the minced garlic and chili for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook the Soup Base
- Heat cooking oil in a pot. Saute remaining garlic, shallots, and chili until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and pineapple; stir-fry for 1 minute to enhance color and sourness.
- Add marinated anchovies and stir-fry for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add 1 liter of water and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, skim off foam from anchovies to prevent smell and cloudiness.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Strain tamarind to extract juice. Remove seeds and add 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp seasoning powder, 1/2 tbsp cornstarch to the soup; mix well.
- Add okra and Ha; bring to a boil. Add bean sprouts and cook.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add coriander and Vietnamese coriander. Turn off the heat.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Removing the fish belly prevents unpleasant smells.
- Washing the anchovies multiple times reduces fishiness.
- Stir-frying the tomatoes and pineapple enhances the soup's color and sour taste.
- Stir-frying the anchovies beforehand enhances their flavor and prevents fishiness.
- Skimming the foam removes impurities and keeps the soup clear.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the dried anchovies with fresh ones?
While dried anchovies provide a deeper, more concentrated flavor, you can use about 3-4 times the weight of fresh anchovies. Be sure to remove the heads and guts before using.
2. What if I don't have tamarind paste? What can I use instead?
Other souring agents work well! Try lime juice, lemon juice, or even a splash of rice vinegar to achieve the desired sourness. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
3. How can I make the soup less salty?
Reduce the amount of dried anchovies used, or rinse the anchovies before adding them to the soup to remove excess salt. You can also add a bit more water to dilute the saltiness.
This Soft & Flavorful Dried Anchovy Sour Soup recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined with careful technique. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating this delicious and unique soup, perfect for a comforting meal or a special occasion. Now go forth and savor the exquisite flavors!