Asparagus & crab meat soup - mang tay nau c

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
4cupsChicken broth
1tablespoonPlus 2 teaspoons nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)
½teaspoonSugar
¼teaspoonSalt
1tablespoonVegetable oil
6Shallots, chopped
2Garlic cloves, chopped
8ouncesFresh or canned lump crab meat, picked over and drained
Freshly ground black pepper
2tablespoonsCornstarch or arrowroot, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
1Egg, lightly beaten
15ouncesWhite asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch sections with canning liquid reserved
1tablespoonShredded coriander
1Scallion, thinly sliced

Directions

Combine the broth, 1 tablespoon of the fish sauce, the sugar and salt in a 3 quart soup pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet. Add the shallots and garlic and stir-fry until aromatic. Add the crab meat, the remaining 2 teaspoons fish sauce and black pepper to taste. Stir-fry over high heat for 1 minute. Set aside. Bring the soup to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir gently until the soup thickens and is clear. While the soup is actively boiling, add the egg and stir gently. Continue to stir for about 1 minute. Add the crab meat mixture and asparagus with its canning liquid; cook gently until heated through. Transfer the soup to a heated tureen. Sprinkle on the coriander, scallion and freshly ground black pepper.