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Canh Chua

A Vietnamese sour fish soup featuring sweet pineapple, juicy tomatoes, and fresh aromatic herbs in a savory tamarind broth.

35 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

VietnameseSoupStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 tbsp tamarind concentrate
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple, chopped
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, wedged
  • 1 lb catfish fillets, sliced
  • 1 cup okra, sliced
  • 1 cup taro stem, sliced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup rice paddy herb, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp minced garlic, and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Pour in 6 cups water and stir in 3 tbsp tamarind concentrate, 2 tbsp sugar, and 3 tbsp fish sauce, bringing the liquid to a boil.

  3. 3

    Add 1 cup chopped pineapple and 2 wedged Roma tomatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Gently add 1 lb sliced catfish fillets to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

  5. 5

    Stir in 1 cup sliced okra and 1 cup sliced taro stem, cooking for 2 minutes until tender-crisp.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat, stir in 1 cup bean sprouts, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped rice paddy herb before serving.

Questions

How long does Canh Chua keep?

Refrigerate it 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.

Can I halve or double Canh Chua?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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