Hu Tieu is a popular dish in Southern Vietnam, known for its clear and flavorful broth, delicate rice noodles, tender pork slices, succulent seafood, and a variety of fresh toppings. The history of Hu Tieu traces back to the Chinese influence on Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in the Mekong Delta region where it has become a beloved staple.

Traditionally, Hu Tieu was a dish served by Chinese immigrants in Vietnam, combining elements of Chinese noodle soups with local Vietnamese ingredients and flavors. Over time, it evolved into a unique Vietnamese dish, showcasing the culinary fusion and diversity of the region.

Today, Hu Tieu is enjoyed throughout Vietnam and beyond, cherished for its light yet satisfying broth, the interplay of textures from the noodles and toppings, and the harmony of flavors that come together in each comforting bowl.

Ingredients:

- 300g pork (sliced thinly)

- 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)

- 200g squid (cleaned and sliced)

- 200g rice noodles (soaked in hot water until soft)

- 1 liter chicken or pork broth

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- Salt to taste

- Ground black pepper to taste

- Chopped green onions for garnish

- Bean sprouts, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Method:

1. In a pot, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced pork and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Add the shrimp and squid to the broth, cooking until they are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Divide the soaked rice noodles among serving bowls.

6. Ladle the hot broth, pork, shrimp, and squid over the noodles.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions.

8. Serve hot with bean sprouts, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Value:

1. Pork (300g, sliced thinly):

  - Calories: Approximately 540 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 60g

  - Fat: Approximately 33g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 100-150mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 180mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, selenium, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Pork is a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building and repair. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, including iron for blood health and zinc for immune function.

2. Shrimp (200g, peeled and deveined):

  - Calories: Approximately 170 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 40g

  - Fat: Approximately 2g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 200-300mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 280mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine

  - Nutritional Benefit: Shrimp is low in fat and calories but rich in protein. It also provides important nutrients like selenium, which supports thyroid function, and vitamin B12, crucial for nerve health.

3. Squid (200g, cleaned and sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 160 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g

  - Protein: Approximately 30g

  - Fat: Approximately 2g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 100-200mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 240mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Squid is low in calories and fat but provides a good amount of protein. It's also rich in vitamin B12, important for brain health and nerve function.

4. Rice noodles (200g, soaked in hot water until soft):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g

  - Protein: Approximately 5g

  - Fat: Approximately 1g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 0-10mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal vitamins and minerals, mainly providing energy from carbohydrates

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rice noodles are a good source of energy from complex carbohydrates, making them a staple in many Asian cuisines. They are gluten-free and easy to digest.

5. Chicken or pork broth (1 liter):

  - Calories: Approximately 50-100 kcal (varies based on preparation)

  - Carbohydrates: Varies depending on ingredients

  - Protein: Varies depending on ingredients

  - Fat: Varies depending on ingredients

  - Sodium: Approximately 800-1200mg (varies based on preparation)

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on ingredients

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Provides electrolytes, essential minerals, and some vitamins depending on ingredients used

  - Nutritional Benefit: Broth adds flavor and nutrients to the soup, including electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are important for hydration and nerve function.

6. Fish sauce (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0-1g

  - Protein: Approximately 1-2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 2000-3000mg (varies by brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor to dishes and provides some protein and minerals.

7. Sugar (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Sugar adds sweetness to the broth but should be used in moderation due to its high carbohydrate content.

8. Salt (to taste):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies based on usage

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Provides sodium, essential for fluid balance and nerve function

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor and helps balance the taste of the dish, but excessive intake should be avoided for those watching their sodium intake.

9. Ground black pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and K, as well as manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper adds a spicy kick and a hint of antioxidants to the dish.

10. Chopped green onions (for garnish):

  - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g per tablespoon

  - Protein: Approximately 0g per tablespoon

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin K and vitamin C, as well as folate and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Green onions add a fresh flavor and a boost of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K for bone health and vitamin C for immune support.

11. Bean sprouts, cilantro, and lime wedges (for serving):

  A. Bean Sprouts:

   - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal per cup

   - Carbohydrates: Approximately 6g per cup

   - Protein: Approximately 3g per cup

   - Fat: 0g

   - Sodium: Approximately 10mg per cup

   - Cholesterol: 0mg

   - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate

   - Nutritional Benefit: Bean sprouts add crunch and freshness, along with vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C for immune support.

  B. Cilantro:

   - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

   - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0g

   - Protein: Approximately 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Sodium: 1mg

   - Cholesterol: 0mg

   - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate

   - Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro adds a burst of flavor and a touch of vitamins and minerals, particularly

 vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health.

  C. Lime Wedges:

   - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal per wedge (about 1/8 of a lime)

   - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g per wedge

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Sodium: 0mg

   - Cholesterol: 0mg

   - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C

   - Nutritional Benefit: Lime wedges add acidity and vitamin C to the dish, enhancing flavor and providing a dose of antioxidants.