How to Make Vietnamese Spicy Vegetable Soup

Vietnamese spicy vegetable soup, known as "Canh Chua," is a vibrant dish that perfectly blends flavors and nutrients. This vegetarian-friendly soup is packed with fresh vegetables and a delightful kick from spices. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious bowl of Vietnamese spicy vegetable soup at home.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
1 medium tomato, chopped
200g bean sprouts
1 cup chopped spinach or water spinach
1 cup diced zucchini or eggplant
4 cups vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt to taste
Fresh herbs (such as cilantro and basil) for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing them until they turn translucent and fragrant, which should take about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add spices and vegetables

Stir in the Thai red chilies and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to break down.

Add the diced zucchini or eggplant to the pot and stir well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate broth

Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Add remaining vegetables

Add the bean sprouts and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the greens wilt and the bean sprouts are tender yet crisp.

Step 5: Season the soup

Stir in the tamarind paste and soy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt according to your taste preference. If you want more heat, you can add extra chili at this point.

Step 6: Serve hot

Once the soup is well-seasoned, remove it from the heat. Ladle the Vietnamese spicy vegetable soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and basil for an aromatic touch. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade dish!

Tips for the Best Vietnamese Spicy Vegetable Soup

Feel free to customize your soup with other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Using homemade vegetable broth can enhance the tastes dramatically.
If you like a deeper flavor, consider adding vegan fish sauce or mushroom sauce as alternative seasoning options.
This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Making Vietnamese spicy vegetable soup is not only easy but also allows you to indulge in a bowl full of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Give it a try, and savor the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in your kitchen!