| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 4g | 1g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 3g | 6g | 1.2g |
There’s something enchanting about the Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Soup, a recipe that beautifully combines the fragrancy of herbs and the freshness of fruit. Drawing inspiration from my time in Japan and the Pacific Northwest, this Vietnamese delight proves that simplicity can indeed manifest into something truly spectacular. The fusion of sweet and tangy flavors creates a beautiful symphony, guaranteed to captivate your taste buds. You can view the image here.
Unraveling the Charm of Vietnamese Cuisine
The soup accurately encapsulates the essence of both Vietnamese cuisine and my Japanese heritage. It is reminiscent of traditional dishes such as Phở and reminds me of my early years in Seattle, where a bowl of soup symbolized comfort and warmth. The Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Soup is not only a culinary delight but also a melting pot of my memories and experiences.
Beyond pure nostalgia, the soup is loaded with nutrient-rich fruits such as pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit. These tropical fruits are filled with vital vitamins and fiber, promoting heart health and aiding in digestion. Lemongrass, ginger, and garlic work as natural heaters for the body, aiding in cold-weather resistance. I can’t recommend enough this refreshing bowl of wellness.
Paring Opportunities and Additional Tips
The lightness of this soup pairs splendidly with heavier, meat-based dishes like Vietnamese prawn summer rolls or Bun Cha. Also, if you prefer a vegan alternative, you can easily swap the fish sauce for a touch of tamari. As a hint, the soup doubles up in flavor when served with a fresh slice of sourdough bread, complementing the sweetness of the fruits.
The Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Soup brings back many cherished memories of my travels and reaffirms my love for multicultural cuisines. It is a delightful confluence of the pacific and Asian culinary arts emulating a subtle sense of my own dual heritage. I hope you will explore, embrace, and enjoy the uniqueness of this delightful soup as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of vegetable stock
- 1 stalk of lemongrass
- 2 slices of ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 small chili pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice
- 1 bunch of rice paddy herb (known as ngo om), roughly chopped
- 1 cup of pineapple, cut into small dice
- 2 cups of mixed fruit (such as mango, papaya, and dragon fruit), cut into small dice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start with preparing the soup base. In a big pot, pour in 6 cups of vegetable stock. Add the lemongrass stalk, 2 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 small chili pepper (feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste), the juice of one lime, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, and a teaspoon of sugar. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
Step Two
While the soup base is simmering, prepare the other ingredients. Cook 2 cups of jasmine rice according to package directions and set it aside. Roughly chop a bunch of rice paddy herb (commonly known as ngo om in Vietnamese culture).
Step Three
Dice the pineapple and mixed fruit into small pieces. Choose tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and dragon fruit to give your soup a delectable sweetness and vibrancy.
Step Four
After the soup base has simmered, strain it to remove the lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper. Return the clear broth back to the pot and bring it to a simmer again.
Step Five
Next, add the cooked jasmine rice to the soup. Stir well to distribute the rice evenly in the soup base.
Step Six
Add the chopped rice paddy herb, diced pineapple, and mixed fruit into the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Step Seven
Season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste. Then remove the pot from the heat.
Step Eight
Serve the Vietnamese Rice Paddy Herb Soup in bowls, garnished with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy this aromatic and hearty soup that brings a burst of Vietnamese flavors to your meal.
