"How to Make the Perfect Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup): Tips and Tricks"

Dish name: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)

• Cuisine: Vietnamese (Khmer influence)

• Preparation time: 1.5-2 hours

• Yield: Serves 4-6

• Expiration: Best if consumed immediately; broth can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

• Ingredients:

• 400g pork bones

• 200g minced pork

• 200g prawns, peeled and deveined

• 200g liver, thinly sliced

• 1 squid, cleaned and cut into rings

• 500g flat rice noodles (Hủ Tiếu)

• 1 onion, charred

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• 2 liters water

• Garnishes: chives, bean sprouts, fried shallots, lime wedges, and fresh herbs

• Seasoning: fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch pork bones in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a clean pot, add pork bones, charred onion, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour to create a rich broth. Periodically skim off any foam that appears.

3. In a frying pan, cook the minced pork with a little oil until brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Bring a separate pot of water to boil for the seafood. Cook prawns, liver, and squid until just done. Avoid overcooking, especially the squid, as it can become rubbery.

5. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Strain it to remove the bones and other solids.

6. Prepare the Hủ Tiếu noodles according to the package instructions.

7. Assemble the bowls: Start with noodles, then add the cooked meats and seafood on top.

8. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and garnish with chives, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and fresh herbs. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips and Tricks for Making Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang:

1. Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh meat and seafood for the best flavor.

2. Broth: For a clearer broth, avoid boiling vigorously; a gentle simmer will yield a clear and flavorful liquid.

3. Noodle Texture: Pay attention to the noodle cooking instructions. Overcooked noodles can become soggy.

4. Marinating: Marinate the liver in a little bit of fish sauce and sugar to enhance its flavor and tenderize it.

5. Garnishes: Provide a variety of garnishes for added freshness, texture, and personalization.

6. Serving: Serve Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang hot and encourage guests to adjust their bowl with additional garnishes and sauces to taste.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic bowl of Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are characteristic of this popular Vietnamese noodle dish.