Categories: SoupsVietnamese

Beet Soup / Canh Cu Den

Growing up in a Vietnamese household, few things brought as much comfort as a warm bowl of soup prepared by my mom. Canh Củ Dền, or Vietnamese beet soup, is one of those dishes that takes me back to the cozy memories of home and family gatherings around the dinner table. Canh cu den has an almost magical quality—it’s soothing, flavorful, and vibrant with the colors of red beets and orange carrots. This soup is often enjoyed as part of a traditional Vietnamese meal (or Com Gia Dinh) served alongside rice and other savory dishes. It’s the kind of soup that brings warmth on a rainy day, the sort of comfort that only a home-cooked meal can provide. Every spoonful brings back memories of my mom ladling it out, adding just the right amount of seasoning, and pouring her love and care into each batch. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about this soup that reminds me of her nurturing spirit.

The Health Benefits of Beets and Carrots

Beyond its comforting qualities, canh cu den is incredibly nutritious. Beets are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate, which supports healthy cell function, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. They’re also known for their potential to support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Carrots add a dose of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, promoting healthy vision and supporting the immune system. Together, beets and carrots make this soup not just comforting but also nourishing for the body. It’s a perfect meal when you’re looking to add more nutrient-dense vegetables to your diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only is canh cu den deeply comforting, but it’s also a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a short list of ingredients, it allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine. The beets bring a subtly sweet, earthy flavor, balanced by the freshness of carrots and the savoriness of broth. If you’re new to Vietnamese cooking, this soup is a perfect introduction to the cuisine—simple, heartwarming, and bursting with natural flavors. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and the joy it brings with every bowl.

For those seeking a comforting meal that’s rooted in Vietnamese culture, canh cu den offers a taste of tradition in every spoonful. This soup brings the warmth and flavor of home while being a simple, healthy, and wholesome option for any time of the year. Whether you’re reminiscing about your family’s cooking or discovering Vietnamese flavors for the first time, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.

Beet Soup / Canh Cu Den

Recipe rating: 5.0 from 10 votes
Servings

4-5

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb 1 1/2 Pork Spare Ribs

  • 3 Quarts 3 Water

  • 2 Large 2 Beetroots

  • 2 Medium 2 Carrots

  • 1/2 1/2 Yellow Onion

  • 1 1 Inch Knob Ginger

  • 1 tbsp 1 Sugar

  • 2 tbsp 2 Fish Sauce

  • 1/2 tbsp 1/2 MSG

  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

  • Garnishes:
  • Green Onion

  • Cilantro

  • Black Pepper

Directions

  • Prep:
  • Parboil pork spareribs for 5-10 minutes to reduce its porky odor and remove any scum. Drain and rinse with cold water, scrubbing away any remaining bits
  • Peel and cut carrots and beets into 1.5-inch pieces. Cut onion and ginger in half
  • Chop up green onions and cilantro to use as a garnish later
  • Cook:
  • To a clean pot, bring up 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add in parboiled pork spare ribs, onion, and ginger. Bring the pot back up to a boil and skim off any impurities
  • Add cut carrots and beets, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer covered with a slight opening for 30-40 minutes or until carrots and beets are fork-tender
  • Remove the onion and ginger from the pot and discard. Season soup with sugar, fish sauce, MSG, salt and pepper to taste
  • Serve:
  • Serve this over a bowl of rice or on its own. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and black pepper. Enjoy!
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Ken

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