August 1, 2008

Vegetarian Tamarind Soup


Canh Chua Chay- literally meaning "sour vegetarian soup."

Canh chua (sour soup) is a very common dish in Vietnam. It can be made with a different kinds of fish (i.e. salmon, catfish) or shrimps. The sourness of the broth comes from flavoring it with tamarind, which go very well with seafood.

This soup typically consists of a medley of vegetables. They're tomatoes, pineapples, water spinach, okra, bean sprouts, broccoli, and bạc hà (or alocasia odora/giant upright elephant ear). I also like to add tofu and plantains, just because I like it.

This is one of my favorite soups to eat, whether on a hot or a cold day. Sipping a hot bowl of soup warms you up, yet the zesty tangy tamarind broth cools you down. Sadly, I didn't have any on hand, but adding herbs (long coriander and thai basil) and chilies to this kind of soup definitely make it better. It'll be a hot, sour, and spicy soup!

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