This type of specialty is called ca cuong, also known as cinnamonworm or toad cuou. They have a shape similar to cockroaches but have precious fragrant essential oil and are considered a specialty that not everyone dares to buy and eat.
Ca cuong live in ponds, swamps, and rice fields. During the day, they stay underwater and only come up to the surface at midnight to search for food.
Ca cuong is not raised for meat, but the most valuable part of them is the essential oil. Ca cuong essential oil is colorless and has a very characteristic fragrance. Therefore, ca cuong essential oil is considered as a “living spice”. Previously, people in Hanoi used to use them for many delicious dishes such as banh cuon, bun thang, bun cha, etc.
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Ca cuong specialty is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. According to research, ca cuong is rich in protein, lipids, and various vitamins that are good for health. Traditional medicine believes that this insect has a spicy taste, mild properties, non-toxic, and is beneficial for the digestive system, kidney, and male vitality.
Currently, there are many households raising ca cuong at home and have succeeded. However, the price of ca cuong is still extremely expensive, averaging from 5-6 million VND/kg. If you want to eat ca cuong, it is recommended to choose male ones as they have more essential oil. If you do not know how to cook ca cuong, you can refer to the recipe for ca cuong fried with fish sauce below.
Ingredients for ca cuong fried with fish sauce
– Ca cuong
– Cooking oil
– Minced garlic
– Fish sauce
– Sugar
– Chili paste
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How to make ca cuong fried with fish sauce
– After buying ca cuong, use your hands to peel off the black outer wings, then wash them thoroughly, let them drain or use a clean towel or paper towel to pat dry to avoid splashing when frying.
– Heat the cooking oil, then fry the previously prepared ca cuong until golden and crispy. After cooking, ca cuong will become round and plump, making it look very beautiful.
– When the ca cuong is golden on all sides, remove them and use the same pan to stir-fry the garlic until fragrant and golden. Then, add fish sauce, sugar, chili paste, and water with a reasonable ratio, and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
– Transfer the previously fried ca cuong to the saucepan, toss well to coat the sauce around the ca cuong, and it’s done.
– Finally, turn off the heat, transfer the ca cuong to a plate, and pour the sweet and sour sauce on top. Now you can enjoy it.
This dish is very appetizing with a rich sauce. The essential oil in ca cuong emits a characteristic fragrance, making the dish both delicious and nutritious.
Host a Crafting Session to Make Scented Gifts for Women on October 20th
This October 20th, show the special women in your life how much they mean to you by giving them a unique and thoughtful gift in the form of a scented sachet with calming essential oils and dried flowers. With our helpful tips and tricks, you can easily put together a stunning and personalised present. Make them feel extra special with a small but meaningful gesture on this special occasion.