Dried bamboo shoots cooked with pork bones make for a delicious and auspicious dish, especially during the Lunar New Year. Many families include this dish in their ancestral worship rituals as well.
However, dried bamboo shoots can turn out tough, dark, and bitter if not prepared properly. Instead of soaking them in plain water, try using rice water to soften and brighten the shoots while removing any residual toxins.
Soaking Dried Bamboo Shoots in Rice Water
Rinse the dried bamboo shoots to remove any dirt. Soak them in rice water for about 6-8 hours to soften. This traditional method of using rice water is effective in removing the bitter taste. Change the soaking water 2-3 times for best results.
After soaking, rinse the shoots again and boil them in a pot of water. Discard the water, and boil the shoots in fresh water for about an hour to further soften them.
Drain the softened shoots and shred them into strips. They are now ready to be used in various dishes such as bamboo shoot soup with pork bones or stir-fried bamboo shoots…
Note: If you’ve prepared more shoots than you need, you can store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. This method will keep the shoots fresh for about a week in the chiller compartment and up to a month in the freezer.
Cooking Bamboo Shoot Soup with Pork Bones
Ingredients:
– Dried bamboo shoots
– 1 pork trotter
– Spring onions, shallots
– Fish sauce, salt, pepper to taste
Instructions:
– Step 1: Prepare the bamboo shoots by following the soaking and shredding instructions above.
– Step 2: Clean the pork trotter and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the meat in boiling water with a pinch of salt, then rinse under running water.
– Step 3: In a pot, sauté the trotter with a dash of fish sauce. This helps season the meat.
– Step 4: Add enough water for the soup and bring it to a boil. Skim off any scum or foam that rises to the surface to clarify the broth.
– Step 5: In a separate pan, stir-fry the bamboo shoots with fish sauce and seasoning.
– Step 6: After skimming the broth, add the stir-fried bamboo shoots to the pot. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the shoots are tender.
Garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander. Serve this hearty bamboo shoot soup with pork bones, perfect for a cozy Lunar New Year celebration.
This dish is a staple in many Vietnamese households during the festive season, offering a warm and nourishing meal during the chilly holiday season.
Source: Khoevadep
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