Vietnamese Alphabet Soup, or Cháo ABCD, isn't your average broth. This vibrant, comforting dish is a playful celebration of Vietnamese cuisine, its name derived from the colorful array of ingredients representing different letters of the alphabet. From the rich, savory depth of the broth to the textural contrast of soft noodles and crunchy toppings, each spoonful is a miniature journey through Vietnamese flavors. This isn't just a soup; it's a nostalgic bowl of childhood memories, a taste of home for many, and a delicious introduction to Vietnamese cooking for newcomers.
Imagine a heartwarming bowl filled with the fragrant aroma of ginger, the subtle sweetness of carrots, and the umami richness of mushrooms. That’s the promise of Vietnamese Alphabet Soup. Ready to experience the magic yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to creating this delicious and incredibly satisfying dish.
Tools Needed
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mandoline slicer (optional)
- Pot
- Colander
- Plates
- Paper towels
- Coffee filter (optional)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Green onion
- Alphabet noodles
- Shallots: 2
- Cilantro
- Ground beef
- Fish sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp + 1 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- White pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Mushroom powder (or chicken/vegetable stock): 1 tbsp
- Palm sugar: 1 tbsp (heaping)
- Water: 10 cups
- Avocado oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Aromatics
- Wash hands. Roughly dice two shallots.
- In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp mushroom seasoning (or stock), and 2 tbsp fish sauce. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Slice shallots thinly using a mandoline slicer (optional) for even strips. Fry the shallots in avocado oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Filter the oil for reuse.
- Brown the ground beef in a pot.
- Add 10 cups of boiling water to the pot with the browned beef. Add the shallot oil, remaining 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2-3 tsp of mushroom seasoning (or stock) to the pot.
Step 2. Cook the Noodles
- Cook alphabet noodles separately according to package directions (approximately 7-9 minutes).
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked noodles to the soup.
- Serve hot, garnished with fried shallots, cilantro, and green onions. Add extra black and white pepper to taste.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- If you can't find alphabet noodles, use any small noodles or macaroni. Rice can also be substituted.
- The fried shallots are optional but highly recommended.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or carrots.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-85g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. What does 'ABCD' refer to in Vietnamese Alphabet Soup?
It refers to the variety of ingredients used, representing a colorful 'alphabet' of flavors and textures in the soup. It's not a literal alphabet soup!
2. Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what's in season. Just try to maintain a balance of flavors and textures.
3. How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?
Simply omit any fish sauce or other non-vegetarian ingredients. You can boost the umami flavor with extra mushrooms, seaweed, or vegetable broth.
So there you have it – a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Alphabet Soup, ready to transport you to a place of warmth and comfort. Enjoy this flavorful and deeply satisfying dish, sharing it with loved ones to create new memories. Happy cooking!