Simple Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup – Healthy Soup

Indulge in the exquisite harmony of flavors and nourishment with the delightful Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup – a culinary gem that effortlessly combines health and simplicity. This cherished dish not only captivates the palate but also embraces a plethora of health benefits, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a wholesome and easy-to-prepare meal. 

How Is It Good For Your Health?

Traditionally enjoyed alongside a bed of steaming rice, this soup stands as a nutritious low-carb option, brimming with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The infusion of tender pork meatballs, accompanied by the vibrant crunch of watercress greens, offers a symphony of textures that perfectly complements its bright and fresh profile. 

It’s very easy and simple to cook. The ingredients are almost good for health, without any sugar and just a little fat from pork. It’s an ideal idea for those who are looking for new quick cooking, and also for losing weight. 

Whether to warm up chilly days or to find comfort on rainy evenings, this Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup is the epitome of culinary well-being and gustatory pleasure.

Ingredients

• 700 ml boiling water
• 1 brown onion, roughly sliced
• 1/5 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp minced pepper
• 100 gm watercress cut into 2 inch
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 100-gram pork mince
• 1 spring onion finely chopped

Preparation

Cleanse the watercress by soaking it in water with a pinch of salt for about 5 – 10 minutes. Then, rinse it thoroughly with water around 2-3 times.

Peel the brown onion, wash it, and thinly slice it.

It’s easy and simple. Now, move on to the cooking part

Instruction

To cook Simple Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup, follow these steps:

Add brown onion slices and 1/5 tsp of salt to a pot along with 700 ml of water. Cook until the water boils.

Once the water is boiling, add ground pork to the pot. Gently stir to prevent clumping.

For meatball lovers, you can mix a small amount of cooking oil, finely ground pepper, and seasoning powder into the pork. Blend the seasonings thoroughly with the meat and shape the mixture into meatballs. Put the meatballs into the pot. Skim off any scum with a spoon during cooking to get rid of impurities.

Around 1 minute later, when the water comes to a boil again, add watercress, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper to the pot. Gently stir, ensuring the greens are fully submerged in the liquid.

Let the greens cook for about 1 minute, then add spring onions. Turn off the heat after 30 seconds.

Transfer the soup to a bowl, and it’s ready to be served. 

How to Serve Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup

This delightful dish is best served while steaming hot, accompanied by a bed of white rice. If you wish to add an extra layer of spicy flavor, you can add sliced chilies, but be aware that just add 2-3 slices.

For those who prefer something on the lighter side, serve Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup with a side of fresh spring rolls, and savor the nourishing flavors that will forever capture your heart. 

So why wait? Gather the freshest ingredients and let yourself be taken away by this time-honored classic – an authentic meal made easy for all. 

Tips for Cooking Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup

To eliminate the pork’s gamey odor, you can pre-blanch it before cooking. 

Blanch the meat by heating 1/2 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pot. Wait for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until the oil is hot, then add the sliced brown onion. Once the brown onion turns golden, add the ground pork to the blanching mixture. 

Stir the meat continuously to ensure even cooking without burning. Stir for about 2 minutes, then add water and proceed as instructed: gradually add seasonings and vegetables. 

Note that when blanching the meat, keep the heat low to prevent it from sticking to the pot or even burning.

However, for those who prefer a soup without oil, it’s advisable not to attempt this method.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup

Though this is a simple soup to cook, there are also some common mistakes that make your soup not perfect as expected. Take a look at some mistakes listed here to avoid when beginning your cooking.

Overcooking the meat: It is important not to cook the meat for too long, as it can result in dryness. Ground pork cooks quite rapidly, so there’s no need to worry.

Overcooking the greens: Avoid overcooking the watercress as it can render them overly soft and mushy. Overcooked watercress loses its refreshing crunch, natural sweetness, and vibrant flavor.

Excessive use of salt: Using excessive salt can lead to a bitter taste in the soup. It is recommended to be mindful of the amount of salt added.

Excessive use of fish sauce: Similarly, using an excessive amount of fish sauce can overpower the soup and mask the natural sweet notes of the pork. It is advisable to use fish sauce in moderation to maintain the balance of flavors in the soup.

Nutritional Benefits

A bowl of Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup contains a wealth of essential nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B3, C and K, as well as minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron.

What’s more? This wholesome dish also supplies you with dietary fiber, protein and healthy fat – an optimal combination that keeps you energized throughout the day. 

In short, the simple yet flavorful Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup is a nutritional powerhouse that can help improve your overall health. 

Conclusion

Vietnamese Watercress and Pork Soup is an excellent choice for those who prioritize nutrition without compromising on taste. From its vibrant hue to its delectable umami flavor, this beloved dish is a surefire way to ignite any occasion with warmth and cheer. So why not give it a try? Gather some fresh greens and pork mince, and embark on an exquisite culinary experience that’s both healthy and delicious.

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.