Water hyacinth, or *Eichhornia crassipes*, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin. It has a robust growth rate and is often used as a feed for livestock due to its high fiber content. In recent years, water hyacinth has gained popularity as a culinary ingredient in Vietnam, with chefs incorporating it into creative and healthy dishes.
Water Hyacinth
Scientific studies have also revealed that water hyacinth contains beneficial compounds such as alkaloids and phenyl derivatives, which possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties. In traditional Vietnamese medicine, water hyacinth is believed to have cooling properties and is used for detoxification and liver cleansing.
**Water Hyacinth, Shrimp, and Pork Salad: A Crisp and Refreshing Delight**
**Ingredients:**
– 500g young water hyacinth shoots
– 150g large shrimp
– 150g pork belly
– Chopped peanuts, as desired
– A handful of rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) and scallions
– 2 tablespoons of minced shallots
– Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, fresh lime juice, garlic, chili, and salt
Preparing Water Hyacinth
**Preparation:**
1. Peel and thinly slice or shred the young water hyacinth shoots. Soak them in salted water for 5-10 minutes to crisp, then rinse and drain.
2. Boil the shrimp and pork belly separately. Peel and leave the shrimp whole or cut into pieces as desired. Thinly slice the pork belly.
3. Chop the Vietnamese coriander and scallions. Crush the roasted peanuts.
4. Make the dressing by mixing 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, the juice of 1 lime, garlic, and chili (optional) to taste. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
**Mixing the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the water hyacinth, shrimp, pork, shallots, Vietnamese coriander, and scallions.
2. Gradually pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients, gently mixing to ensure even coating without breaking the ingredients.
3. Finally, sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top to add a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
Water Hyacinth and Shrimp Salad
This water hyacinth salad, served cold, makes for a delightful appetizer or light meal. Accompany it with shrimp crackers to fully appreciate the flavors. With its tangy-sweet dressing and crunchy texture, this refreshing salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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