Crisp, slightly bitter, and surprisingly comforting, Canh Khổ Qua Hầm, or Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup, is a beloved Vietnamese dish, particularly popular during Tet celebrations. This unique soup balances the bitterness of the melon with the savory richness of its flavorful stuffing, creating a complex and deeply satisfying culinary experience. The carefully selected ingredients, from the fragrant pork and mushrooms to the delicate herbs, all contribute to a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Beyond its deliciousness, this dish holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, representing good fortune and prosperity for the new year.
This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to crafting this traditional masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice eager to explore Vietnamese cuisine, you'll find the instructions clear, concise, and easy to follow, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome. Let's dive in and learn how to prepare this heartwarming and flavorful Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup for yourself.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Knife
- Large pot
Ingredients
- Bitter melon: 1 kg (about 8 medium fruits)
- Ground meat: 300g
- Fat (pork fat): 100g
- Shredded fish cake: 200g
- Wood ear mushrooms: 70g
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Bone broth: 1.5 teaspoons
- MSG: 1.5 teaspoons
- Salt: 1.5 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon
- Minced purple onion: 1 tablespoon
- Green onion: 1.5 tablespoon
- Water: 3.3 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bitter Melons and Filling
- Choose bitter melons with thorns for a more fragrant and less pungent taste. Wash and remove the seeds from the bitter melons. Do not wash again after removing the seeds.
- Grind the meat, fat, and wood ear mushrooms separately. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, finely chop them.
- pepper, bone broth, MSG, salt, sugar, minced purple onion and green onion.
- Mix well until the meat is tough and elastic. If using cold meat, knead quickly to maintain elasticity.
- Stuff the meat mixture into the bitter melons. Make sure the bitter melons are plump and full.
Step 2. Stuff and Simmer the Bitter Melons
- Bring 3.3 liters of water to a boil. Add the stuffed bitter melons and skim off any foam. Reduce heat and simmer for 50 minutes (or adjust to your preference).
Step 3. Final Touches
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Chill the meat, fat and fish cake before stuffing to increase chewiness.
- Adjust cooking time depending on desired tenderness. Simmer for 50-60 minutes for softer melons, or 30-40 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork in the stuffing?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute like mushrooms or tofu would work well.
2. How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Salting the halved melons and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes draws out some of the bitterness before stuffing and cooking.
3. What if I don't have all the herbs listed?
Don't worry! Feel free to adjust based on what you have available. The core flavors will still shine through.
This Crispy Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup is a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine, balancing contrasting flavors into a harmonious whole. Enjoy this delicious and culturally significant soup, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Happy cooking!