Welcome to the flavorful world of Cambodian cuisine, where each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and culinary mastery. Among the gems of Khmer gastronomy is the beloved Kuy Teav, a hearty noodle soup that embodies the essence of comfort and satisfaction. With its rich broth, tender noodles, and an array of toppings, Kuy Teav offers a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and warm the soul.

Originating from Cambodia, Kuy Teav has evolved over centuries, influenced by the country's diverse culinary heritage and local ingredients. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a comforting meal any time of day, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of Cambodians and food enthusiasts worldwide.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a culinary journey to recreate the authentic flavors of Cambodian Kuy Teav in your kitchen. From simmering the aromatic broth to assembling the perfect bowl, you'll discover the art of crafting this beloved dish, ensuring each spoonful transports you to the bustling streets of Cambodia. So, gather your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and let's dive into the delightful world of Cambodian Kuy Teav!

Ingredients:

• 8 cups beef or pork broth
• 300g rice noodles (preferably fresh, but dried noodles work well too)
• 250g beef or pork, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Toppings: bean sprouts, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
• Optional: fried garlic or shallots for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth:

1- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2- Pour in the beef or pork broth and bring it to a gentle boil.

3- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer while you prepare the other components.

Cook the Rice Noodles:

1- If using dried rice noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them until tender. If using fresh noodles, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until just cooked.

2- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Meat:

1- In a bowl, marinate the thinly sliced beef or pork with fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

2- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Stir-fry the marinated meat until cooked through. Set aside.

Assemble the Kuy Teav:

1- Divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.

2- Arrange the cooked meat on top of the noodles.

3- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat, ensuring each bowl is generously filled with broth.

4- Serve immediately with a selection of toppings: bean sprouts, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and optionally fried garlic or shallots.

Enjoy:

1- Mix the toppings into the soup according to your preference.

2- Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the soup before enjoying.

3- Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of authentic Cambodian Kuy Teav!

This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size. Adjust the ingredients accordingly for larger or smaller servings.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Beef or Pork Broth (8 cups):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg (varies depending on the brand and recipe)

benefits:

• Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains essential minerals like iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells.
• Hydrating and comforting, especially in soups.

Rice Noodles (300g):

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthier alternative to traditional wheat noodles.
• Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Gluten-free, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Beef or Pork (250g, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 400 kcal (approximate value for lean meat)
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Iron: 2mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, vital for muscle development and repair.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Provides satiety, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative damage.
• Contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Possesses antimicrobial properties, supporting immune health.

Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 2400mg

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor to dishes.
• Contains protein and essential amino acids.
• Provides a source of iodine, necessary for thyroid function.

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 920mg

benefits:

• Adds savory flavor (umami) to dishes.
• Contains protein and essential amino acids.
• May have potential health benefits, including heart health and cancer prevention, due to its antioxidant content.

Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg

benefits:

• Adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes.
• Contains essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
• Adds depth of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a sweet flavor to balance out savory and salty elements.
• Supplies a quick source of energy.
• Enhances caramelization and browning when used in cooking.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• Adds a spicy, pungent flavor to dishes.
• Contains piperine, which may improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.

Vegetable Oil (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Fat: 5g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Adds moisture and richness to dishes when used in cooking.

Toppings: Nutritional values for the toppings can vary widely depending on the amount used and personal preference. Here are approximate values for typical serving sizes:

Bean Sprouts (1 cup):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Green Onions (1 stalk, sliced):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits: Rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant.

Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and provides small amounts of vitamins A and K.

Lime Wedges (1 lime):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function, and citric acid, which aids digestion.

Optional: Nutritional values for fried garlic or shallots for garnish can vary significantly depending on the amount used and the cooking method. As a garnish, they typically add minimal calories and nutrients.