Canh Bầu

Canh Bầu is a light and nutritious Vietnamese soup made with soft, tender bottle gourd and a blend of fresh herbs and spices. This comforting dish is perfect for a healthy meal, showcasing the delicate flavors of Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

• Bottle gourd (Bầu) - 300g, peeled and diced
• Vegetable broth - 500ml
• Fresh shrimp - 100g, shelled and deveined
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 2, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro - 15g, chopped
• Fish sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced bottle gourd and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the bottle gourd is tender.
5. Add the fish sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the bottle gourd, promoting hydration and digestion.
• Low in calories and fat, making it a heart-healthy option.

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