World Flavors Cookbook

Canh Bầu Tép (Bottle Gourd Shrimp Soup)

A light, everyday Vietnamese home soup — bottle gourd and tiny dried shrimp simmered in a clear broth with spring onions.

Cuisine: Vietnam

Ingredients

• 500g bottle gourd (bầu), peeled and sliced
• 50g dried shrimp (tép khô), soaked
• 1L light pork or chicken broth
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Salt and white pepper

Instructions

1. Bring broth to a boil.
2. Add drained dried shrimp. Simmer 5 minutes.
3. Add bottle gourd. Cook 8-10 minutes until tender.
4. Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Add spring onions. Serve immediately.