Canh Dau Hu He, or Vietnamese Tofu & Garlic Chive Soup, is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for a light lunch or a warming dinner. Its simplicity belies its depth of taste, achieved through a delicate balance of savory broth, soft silken tofu, and the pungent freshness of garlic chives. This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, packed with plant-based protein and essential nutrients. The subtle sweetness of the broth, combined with the slightly earthy notes of the tofu and the sharp bite of the chives, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe showcases a quick and easy method for preparing this beloved Vietnamese soup, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. From gathering the ingredients to enjoying the steaming bowl of goodness, the entire process is remarkably straightforward. Ready to learn how to make this delightful soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Garlic chives (Chinese chives): 1 bunch (33 cents)
- Soft tofu: 2 containers (1.29$ each)
- Ground pork: 1/2 bag (amount unspecified)
- Shallot: 1
- Chicken seasoning powder
- Fish sauce
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Water
- Salt
- White rice
- Chinese sausages
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Season the ground pork with shallot, chicken seasoning powder, fish sauce, garlic salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well. Break the seasoned pork into small pieces.
- Wash and chop the garlic chives, removing the bottom parts. Slice to about an inch and a half long.
- Rinse the tofu and cut into rectangular pieces or any desired shape.
Step 2. Cook the Soup
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add the pork to the boiling water.
- Add the tofu to the soup.
- Add chicken seasoning and gently stir to avoid breaking the tofu.
- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the soup.
- Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the chives.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Turn off the heat and remove from the stove.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with black pepper, white rice, and Chinese sausages (optional).
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- If you don't like ground pork, you can substitute it with pork shoulder.
- Adjust the amount of garlic chives to your liking.
- You can use less tofu if you prefer.
- If you want, you can replace shallots with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tofu?
Yes! Silken tofu is traditional, but firm or extra-firm tofu will also work. Just be sure to press out excess water from firmer varieties before adding it to the soup.
2. What can I substitute for garlic chives if I don't have any?
Scallions (green onions) or regular chives are good substitutes, although the flavor will be slightly different. You could also experiment with other herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.
This simple yet flavorful Canh Dau Hu He is a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine; its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors create a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delightful taste of this soup, perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Vietnamese recipe!