Pork Rib Sour Soup: A Delicious and Tangy Treat
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Pork ribs: 500g
- Tomatoes: 2 (approx. 200g)
- Pineapple: 1/4 (approx. 150g)
- Tamarind paste: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with 2 unripe mangoes)
- Yardlong beans: 100g
- Bean sprouts: 100g
- Scallions, cilantro: 50g
- Shallots: 2 bulbs
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Pork ribs: Wash and cut into bite-sized pieces. Parboil the ribs in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse with cold water.
Tomatoes: Wash and cut into wedges.
Pineapple: Peel, remove the eyes, and slice thinly.
Yardlong beans: Wash and cut diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
Bean sprouts: Wash and drain.
Scallions and cilantro: Wash and chop finely.
Tamarind: Soak the tamarind paste in 50ml of warm water, mash, and strain to obtain the tamarind juice, discarding the seeds and fibers.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
In a pot, combine the ribs with 1.5 liters of water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to clarify the broth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, then simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes until the ribs are tender and the broth is flavorful.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Tomatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped shallots until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sauté until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Add the tamarind juice (or crushed unripe mangoes) to the broth and stir well. Put in the sautéed tomatoes and pineapple slices, and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the yardlong beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the bean sprouts and season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Turn off the heat and garnish with scallions and cilantro.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the sour soup into bowls and serve hot with steamed rice or rice noodles. This sour soup has a delightful tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
Tips for a Tastier Soup:
- Choose pork ribs with a mix of bone and meat for a sweeter broth.
- Feel free to substitute tamarind with unripe mangoes or young tamarind leaves, depending on your preference.
- Avoid overcooking the yardlong beans and bean sprouts to retain their crunch.
- Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
