Authentic Vietnamese Che Sen Cua Nha: A Sweet Dessert Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg fresh crab meat
  • 200 g tapioca starch
  • 1.5 litres of water
  • 2 stalks of spring onion
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • Fresh herbs (coriander and mint)
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the crab meat and drain the water.
  2. In a large pot, bring 1.5 litres of water to a boil.
  3. Gradually add the tapioca starch to the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken.
  5. Add the cleaned crab meat to the pot and stir well.
  6. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until it turns golden.
  7. Add the sautéed garlic to the crab and starch mixture in the pot.
  8. Season the soup with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  9. Beat the eggs in a bowl and then slowly pour them into the pot while stirring continuously to create egg ribbons.
  10. Chop the spring onions and fresh herbs, and then add them to the pot.
  11. Stir the soup one last time before turning off the heat.
  12. Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A large pot to boil the water and cook the soup.
  • Pan - A separate pan to sauté the garlic.
  • Stirring Spoon - A spoon to stir the soup and prevent sticking.
  • Bowl - A bowl to beat the eggs before adding them to the soup.
  • Knife - A knife to chop the spring onions and fresh herbs.

Recipe variations

  • Using cornstarch instead of tapioca starch
  • Adding diced vegetables such as carrots, corn, or peas to the soup
  • Replacing crab meat with shrimp or a combination of seafood
  • Using a mixture of different herbs such as basil, dill, or lemongrass
  • Making a vegetarian version by using tofu or mushrooms instead of crab meat
  • Adding a spicy kick by incorporating chili pepper or hot sauce
  • Creating a seafood medley by adding scallops or clams to the soup
  • Experimenting with different broths such as chicken or vegetable broth
  • Adding a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy flavor
  • Garnishing the soup with fried shallots or roasted peanuts for added texture

Recipe overview

Che Sen Cua Nha is a popular Vietnamese delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds with its delectable blend of flavors. This soup, made with fresh crab meat and tapioca starch, creates a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for any meal of the day. Seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, and pepper, and garnished with spring onions and fresh herbs, this dish holds a delightful combination of savory and aromatic elements. The recipe is straightforward and requires simple cooking techniques, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. In essence, you will be creating a starch-thickened soup, into which the crab meat is cooked, and the flavors are enhanced with the addition of sautéed garlic and seasonings. Finally, a gentle stir-in of beaten eggs provides a beautiful visual appeal with delicate ribbons of egg throughout the soup. Allow it to rest for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy this warming, flavorful soup that's a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen crab meat instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen crab meat as a substitute for fresh crab meat. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using it in the recipe.

  2. Can I use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch?

    Yes, you can use cornstarch as an alternative to tapioca starch. However, note that the texture and thickness of the soup may vary slightly.

  3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

    Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn to enhance the flavor and add more texture to the soup.

  4. Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste?

    Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper according to your preference. Taste the soup as you go and make any necessary adjustments.

  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling water and cooking the soup
  • Pan - Used for sautéing garlic
  • Bowl - Used for beating the eggs before adding them to the soup
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring the soup and preventing it from sticking to the pot
  • Knife - Used for chopping spring onions and fresh herbs
  • Soup ladle - Used for serving the soup into bowls
  • Soup bowls - Used for serving the Che Sen Cua Nha
  • Soup spoons - Used for eating the soup

Origin stories

Che Sen Cua Nha, a traditional Vietnamese dish, is not only a culinary delight revered for its rich flavor profiles, but it also carries with it a delightful tale. Legend has it that the recipe was born out of a resourceful cook's innovation during a time when Vietnam was in turmoil. As the story goes, a street vendor found herself with an abundance of crabs and tapioca starch but wanted to create something more tantalizing and filling than the simple fare she usually sold. Putting her culinary skills to the test, she combined these ingredients, added a few twists, and thus Che Sen Cua Nha was born. Soon the dish became a local favorite, with the aroma of her crab soup wafting through the streets attracting locals and tourists alike. It's a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people, embodying their ability to create something truly spectacular even in the face of adversity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.