Dive into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine with the irresistible Banh Canh Thick Noodles Soup! This comforting dish, featuring tender pork belly and chewy noodles in a rich, savory broth, is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing your dinner guests. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can create a bowl of happiness that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package banh canh noodles
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh herbs for garnish (green onions, cilantro)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Slice the onion thinly and gather your fresh herbs (green onions and cilantro) for garnish.
- In a large pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the sliced pork belly and the sliced onion to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
- After 30 minutes, stir in the fish sauce and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce or sugar to suit your preference.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the banh canh noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in a separate pot of water until they are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Once the pork belly is tender and the broth is flavorful, add the cooked banh canh noodles to the pot. Stir gently to combine and let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl has a good amount of pork, noodles, and broth. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped green onions and cilantro.
- Serve the soup hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top for added brightness and flavor.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your broth largely depends on the quality of your chicken broth and pork belly. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. If you like it saltier, add more fish sauce; if you prefer a hint of sweetness, a touch more sugar can make a difference.
- Perfect Noodle Texture: Make sure to follow the package instructions for the banh canh noodles carefully. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on them!
- Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs are a must! They not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful touch to your presentation. Consider adding Thai basil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This soup is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it hot and encourage your guests to squeeze lime over their bowls for that zesty kick that elevates the dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
