How to Make Vietnamese White Yam Soup
White yam soup has a naturally sweet and creamy taste, and when cooked with fresh shrimp, it becomes a delicious and highly nutritious dish, especially beneficial for those with cardiovascular issues, poor circulation, digestive problems, or obesity.
Yam, also known as yam root or ube, is commonly grown in rural areas for its tuber, which can weigh between 600g and 20kg. There are two main types of yam, distinguished by the color of the flesh: white yam and purple yam.
Ingredients
- White yam: 1 root, 800g
- Fresh shrimp: 350g
- Shallots: 3 bulbs
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Fish sauce
- Salt
- MSG or seasoning powder
Instructions
Preparing Ingredients
Rinse the white yam to remove any soil, peel it, rinse again, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the yam with a little salt to enhance its flavor.
Peel the shrimp, devein by removing the black vein along the back. Separate the shrimp heads, remove the black waste, rinse, and then pound the heads to extract the juice. Set this juice aside for the soup base.
Chop the shrimp bodies coarsely, avoiding over-chopping, and marinate with a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the shrimp marinate for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Peel and finely chop the shallots.
Pick, rinse, and finely chop the green onions and cilantro.
Cooking the White Yam Soup
Maintain medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the shrimp from sticking and burning.
Sauté the yam and shrimp together for about 2 minutes, then pour in the shrimp head juice and add additional water according to the number of servings. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
Once the soup reaches a rolling boil, season with salt, MSG/seasoning powder, and optionally, a little fish sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste based on your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the white yam to soften. If you prefer a more mashed consistency, you can simmer for a bit longer. If you prefer the yam to remain in whole pieces but still tender, 10 minutes of simmering should be sufficient.
During cooking, skim off any foam regularly to keep the soup clear.
Final Product Requirements
White yam soup with shrimp has a delightful aroma and a subtle sweetness. The yam is smooth and creamy, the shrimp is sweet and fragrant, and the addition of cilantro and green onions enhances the overall appeal of this nutritious soup.
Additional Information
According to traditional Eastern medicine, yams are beneficial and nourishing. Yams have a sweet, neutral taste and are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and more. They help to strengthen the lungs, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and regulate blood pressure.
Additionally, consuming yams can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, aid digestion, reduce obesity, alleviate pain, treat fatigue, and relieve joint pain. Scientifically, yams contain steroidal saponins, which can help reduce symptoms associated with menopause in middle-aged women and enhance libido.
In just about 30 to 35 minutes, you can prepare a delicious and healthy white yam soup with shrimp for the whole family to enjoy. We hope you succeed in making this dish with the recipe and instructions shared by Cookbeo!
