The first time I tasted this soup was in Central Vietnam a few years back. It was a welcome and unexpected change from all the Pho we had been having. Canh chua is often made with seafood, especially in the Southern Delta area, but this simple vegetarian version is popular in Central and Northern areas.
Its clean bright flavors feel very healing. Even though tomatoes are sadly out of season, I make an exception for this recipe, because I’ve come to crave it so much. Plan ahead and let the tomatoes soften and ripen on the counter for a few days before making the soup.
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I hope you enjoy this simple, vegan Vietnamese soup. So delicious, healthy and authentic… I got this recipe from a restaurant in Hoi Ann!
xoxoxo
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Vietnamese Hot and Sour Soup
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Vietnamese Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu ( aka Canh Chua)- flavorful, warming and healing, this version is vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients
- ½ onion- diced (1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 Cups sliced mushrooms (shiitakes or cremini)
- 4 Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes- diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce ( if using veggie stock)
- 8 oz firm tofu, cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 Tablespoon tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate) or sub lime juice
- ¼ Cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ Cup chopped chives or scallions
Instructions
In a Medium pot, heat oil over medium high heat, add diced onions. Saute until tender, stirring often, about 4 – 5 minutes. Turn heat to medium, add garlic, and mushrooms.
Saute until mushrooms are just tender, about 3-4 more minutes. Add tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Saute until tomatoes begin to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
Add stock and soy sauce (optional). Add tofu and tamarind paste ( or lime juice). Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 3-4 minutes. Taste for balance. Add salt to taste.
Serve in a bowls with chopped cilantro and chives and chili flakes.
Serves 2 for dinner or 4 as a starter.
Notes
Serves 2 for dinner or 4 as a starter.
Nutrition
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Keywords: hot and sour soup, Vietnamese soup, vegan Vietnamese soup, Canh Chua
I was in the middle of making a pot of soup and using tamarind paste when I thought about looking up to see if there was a good recipe on the internet.Since I am from Hawaii and always cooking Asian I’m always looking for new ways to make things. I put in okra this time and long beans, celery, carrots, red onion and chicken broth.I sent my husband to the store for tofu. This time I used my tamarind paste instead of just the Tamarind soup broth in the package – and oh my goodness it is so good the broth. I just love it. I try to have soups at every meal like the Japanese do I think they are very important to eat.
so happy you gave this a go!
Have not made but love this version over heavier Chinese version. Light color because chicken nroth.
★★★★
Glad you enjoyed this!