Cucumber Vietnamese Soup (Canh Dua Leo) | Fresh & Delicious

Cucumber Vietnamese soup, also known as “Canh Dưa Leo,” is a refreshing and light dish that perfectly showcases the subtle yet distinctive flavors typical of Vietnamese cuisine. This soup is typically made with thinly sliced cucumbers, which are gently simmered in a clear and aromatic broth seasoned with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.

The result is a soothing dish that is both hydrating and satisfying, often enjoyed during warmer months for its cooling properties. Cucumber soup is commonly served as a starter or side dish alongside heavier meals, offering a crisp contrast to richer flavors. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s a perfect example of Vietnamese culinary philosophy: fresh, healthy, and beautifully balanced.

Overview of Cucumber Vietnamese Soup

Cucumber Vietnamese soup with pork chop recipe is a beloved traditional Vietnamese dish, perfect for hot summer days or as a light and refreshing meal anytime. This aromatic soup features thin slices of pork chop, fresh cucumber and tomatoes, rice vermicelli noodles, and a delicious broth seasoned with herbs and spices.

The simplicity of cucumber Vietnamese soup with pork chop is one of its charms. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, it comes together quickly for a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. The name Canh Dua Leo Suon Non translates to “cucumber, tomato, and pork chop soup,” accurately describing its primary components.

How To Make Cucumber Vietnamese Soup With Pork Chop?

Ingredient List

To make cucumber Vietnamese soup with pork chop, you will need:

For the pork chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops, ideally center cut (about 1/2 inch thick)
• Water for cooking pork chops
• Salt and pepper for seasoning pork chops

For the vegetables:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges
• 4 green onions, sliced (use green parts only)
• 1 cup mixed herbs like cilantro, basil, mint, etc.

For the vermicelli noodles:

• 8 oz dried rice vermicelli noodles
• Water for soaking noodles

For the broth:

• 6 cups water
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Canh Dua Leo Suon Non is simple, with most cooking happening right in the serving bowl. Here is the process from start to finish:

Prepare the Pork Chops

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add pork chops and boil for 5 minutes. This removes impurities and smells.
2. Drain pork chops and rinse under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash cucumber thoroughly and peel off skin. Cut in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Slice cucumber into 1/4-inch half moons.
2. Core tomatoes and cut into 6-8 wedges each.
3. Separate green onion stalks. Use only the green parts, slicing into 1-inch lengths.
4. Pick over herbs, rinse well, and remove any thick stems.

Prepare the Rice Noodles

1. Place dry noodles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15-20 minutes until pliable.
2. Drain noodles and set aside.

Assemble the Broth

1. In a large soup bowl, combine 6 cups water, fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
2. Stir well until seasoning is dissolved. Taste and adjust if needed.

Put It All Together

1. Bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Add the pork chops and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, and half the herbs.
4. Continue simmering 2-3 minutes until cucumber is tender but still crisp.
5. Stir in the rice noodles and cook just until warmed through, about 1 minute.

Serve Immediately

1. Transfer pork chops and vegetables to individual serving bowls using a slotted spoon.
2. Ladle hot broth over top making sure to evenly distribute ingredients.
3. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs.
4. Serve piping hot, spooning broth over noodles as you eat. Enjoy!

Seasoning Suggestions

The basic broth for Canh Dua Leo Suon Non requires just a few ingredients, but you can also enhance it with other Vietnamese flavorings:

• Lemongrass – Add 2 minced lemongrass stalks to the broth for citrus aroma.
• Chili – For spice, add 1 chopped Thai chili or 1 tsp chili-garlic sauce.
• Lime – Stir in the fresh juice of 1 lime at the end for tang.
• Ginger – For an extra punch of flavor, simmer 1 inch peeled, sliced ginger in the broth.
• Fish sauce – Add more to taste if you want a deeper, saltier umami profile.
• Vinegar – A splash of rice vinegar brightens up the broth.
• Scallions – Garnish with sliced scallions for color and mild onion flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Canh Dua Leo Suon Non is stunning when artfully plated. Follow these tips for Instagram-worthy presentation:

• Mound noodles in the bottom of a deep bowl. Arrange pork and vegetables attractively on top.
• Pour piping hot broth into a serving pitcher for tableside pouring.
• Garnish with herbs like cilantro, basil, mint. Make sure they pop with color contrast.
• Lime wedges add bright acidity when squeezed over the top.
• For texture, top with crispy fried shallots or onions.
• For crunch, add roasted peanuts, chickpeas, or cashews.
• Serve with chili-garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, or nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.
• Fry or roast pork chops for extra char and caramelization before adding to soup.
• Swap rice noodles for egg noodles, mung bean noodles, or udon noodles.

Cultural Significance

As a Vietnamese comfort food, Canh Dua Leo Suon Non holds a special place in the country’s culinary tradition. Its basic ingredients mirror the lush agriculture of Vietnam. Pork and fish sauce provide savory umami, herbs offer freshness, and vegetables like cucumber add crisp brightness.

While versions appear across Vietnamese home kitchens, Canh Dua Leo Suon Non is especially popular in the hot southern regions. Its clean, cooling flavors provide the perfect counterpoint to sweltering days. The soup elegantly balances yin and yang. Enjoy Canh Dua Leo Suon Non and taste the heritage of Vietnam in each spoonful.

Nutritional Information

One of the health benefits of Canh Dua Leo Suon Non is its relatively low calorie count compared to other pork dishes. A hearty 300 gram (10 oz) serving contains approximately:

• Calories – 290
• Total Fat – 9g
  • Saturated Fat – 3g
• Sodium – 910mg
• Total Carbohydrates – 26g
  • Dietary Fiber – 2g
  • Sugar – 3g
• Protein – 29g

This provides a good balance of protein from the pork, antioxidants from the vegetables, and energy-providing carbohydrates from the noodles. The broth is also hydrating and electrolyte-replenishing.

Conclusion: Cucumber Vietnamese Soup

Canh Dua Leo Suon Non beautifully captures the vibrant spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. With its hallmark balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors, each spoonful sings with the tastes of summer. Best of all, this soup comes together in minutes, making it an easy weeknight meal. Keep the ingredients on hand so you can treat yourself to a taste of Vietnam anytime. From the first refreshing sip of the broth to the last bite of juicy pork, let this bright, beautiful soup transport you.