Tag: vietnameserecipes

Recipes

Exploring the Simple and Comforting Vietnamese Round Bottle Gourd Gourd

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There’s something magical about discovering a new ingredient that feels like it’s been hiding in plain sight. For me, that ingredient was the round bottle gourd. This unique vegetable, with its smooth, green exterior and subtly sweet flavor, has a special place in Vietnamese cuisine. Today, I want to share my love for this gourd and guide you through making a comforting Vietnamese round-bottle gourd soup that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Meet the Round Bottle Gourd Have you ever come across a vegetable that makes you stop and wonder, “What is that?” For me, that moment happened when I visited my friend’s garden and saw the round bottle gourd. Known as “bầu” in Vietnamese, this gourd is like a green, slightly squat cousin of the more familiar zucchini. It’s crisp, mildly sweet, and incredibly versatile—perfect for soups, stir-fries, or even just a quick sauté. Why I Love Round Bottle Gourd Besides its charming appearance and delicate flavor, the round bottle gourd is packed with health benefits. It’s low in calories, high in water, and loaded with vitamins and minerals. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re on a health kick or just looking for something new to try, this gourd is a great choice. My Favorite Vietnamese Round Bottle Gourd Soup One of the best ways to enjoy round bottle gourd is in a traditional Vietnamese soup. This dish has become a comforting staple in many Vietnamese kitchens, and I’m excited to share it with you. The soup is very quick and simple to make (<15 minutes) yet satisfying, and it captures the essence of Vietnamese home cooking. Ingredients Instructions See my tiktok Tips and Variations Why This Soup Matters For me, this round bottle gourd soup is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to Vietnamese culinary traditions and a reminder of the joy of cooking. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening or when you need a little comfort. Sharing it with friends and family always brings a smile to my face. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the subtle sweetness and comforting flavors of this traditional Vietnamese soup. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your thoughts, variations, or any fun twists you add to the recipe. Happy cooking, and here’s to new culinary adventures! Check out my TikTok for a step-by-step cooking video!

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Recipes

A Taste of Home: Vietnamese Malabar Spinach Soup

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Growing up in Vietnam, I have vivid memories of the comforting and simple dishes that filled our table. Among them, Malabar spinach soup, or Canh Rau Mồng Tơi, holds a special place in my heart. Vietnamese people often enjoy this soup on hot days, as it is believed to help cool down the body’s temperature. This is a very simple dish but you can find it often in vietnameses’ meals. What is Malabar Spinach? Malabar spinach, known as Rau Mồng Tơi in Vietnamese, is a leafy green that might surprise you with its versatility. Despite its name, it’s not related to traditional spinach. Instead, it’s a succulent green with heart-shaped leaves that thrives in the warm, tropical climate of Vietnam. Its ability to grow quickly and robustly makes it a staple in many Vietnamese gardens and kitchens. Health Benefits of Malabar Spinach As a Vietnamese, I’ve always appreciated how our traditional ingredients not only bring flavor but also offer numerous health benefits. Malabar spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients: How to grow Malabar Spinach? Growing Malarbar spinach is actually very simple. It can be easily propagante from cuttings. You can first buy it from Asian grocery stores. Then, select healthy, non-flowering stems about 6-8 inches long, and cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and either place the cuttings in water or directly into moist soil. In water, roots should develop within 1-2 weeks. For soil propagation, ensure the node is buried, keep the soil moist, and cover the pot with plastic to maintain humidity. Once roots form, transplant to a sunny spot with well-draining soil, provide support for the vines, and water regularly. Depend on the climate, Malabar spinach will most likely need daily watering or deely watering once or twice a week. My Favorite Recipe: Vietnamese Malabar Spinach Soup One of my favorite ways to enjoy Malabar spinach is in a simple yet delicious Vietnamese soup. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, reminiscent of family meals. Here’s how I make it: Ingredients: Instructions: Tips for Enjoying Malabar Spinach Soup Conclusion For me, Vietnamese Malabar spinach soup is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of home and a reminder of family gatherings. I hope you find as much joy in this recipe as I do. Give it a try, and let this vibrant, nutritious soup bring a bit of Vietnam to your table.

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