Canh Cau

Name: Canh Cau
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 medium custard apple (sugar apple), seeded and flesh removed; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced; 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar; 4 dried dates; 2 tbsp dried goji berries; 8 cups water; 1/8 tsp salt; 2 tbsp dried lily bulbs (optional), rinsed

Vietnamese custard apple soup with a delicate sweet broth, a traditional hot soup trending on social media.

35 minEasyServes 4120 cal/serving

VietnameseSoupStovetopVegetarianDairy-Free

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Ingredients

2 medium custard apple (sugar apple), seeded and flesh removed
2 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar
4 dried dates
2 tbsp dried goji berries
8 cups water
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp dried lily bulbs (optional), rinsed

Instructions

1

Rinse the 2 tbsp rinsed dried lily bulbs (optional) if using and set aside.
2

Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot.
3

Add 2 tbsp sliced fresh ginger, 4 dried dates, and dried lily bulbs (optional). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
4

Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
5

Add the 2 medium seeded and flesh removed custard apple (sugar apple) flesh and 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar. Stir gently.
6

Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the soup is fragrant.
7

Add the 2 tbsp dried goji berries and simmer for 1-2 minutes more.
8

Taste and adjust sweetness with more rock sugar or brown sugar if desired. Season with 1/8 tsp salt.
9

Serve the soup hot in individual bowls, distributing the custard apple (sugar apple) pieces and garnishes evenly.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Canh Cau?

As written, 35 minutes: 15 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 6 (15 minutes): "Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the soup is fragrant."

What can I use instead of brown sugar in Canh Cau?

The entry for Canh Cau calls for 1/4 cup rock sugar or brown sugar. In its place: White sugar with a tablespoon of molasses per cup. Without molasses, plain white sugar works but bakes up crisper and paler.

Is Canh Cau vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 medium custard apple (sugar apple), seeded and flesh removed. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan soup collection.

How many calories are in Canh Cau?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 120 calories, with 2 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 1 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 150 mg sodium.

Can I freeze Canh Cau?

Yes. Refrigerate Canh Cau for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

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