Vietnamese Pork Spare Rib and Macaroni Soup

A hearty and comforting soup perfect for winter time. This is a simple broth and cheap family meal to make.

Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

600g pork spare ribs (ask butcher to cut into bite size pieces)

1 shallot (half finely chopped, other half smashed)

1 tbsp olive oil

3 litres of water

2 carrots (peeled and sliced)

2 potatoes (peeled and diced)

1 & 1/2 cup of macaroni

2 tbsp fish sauce

1/2 tbsp chicken powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

coriander, spring onion and fried shallots as garnish (optional)

METHOD

1. Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Add pork spare ribs and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 mins. Drain pot into a colander. Rinse the ribs under cold running water until water runs clear.

2. Marinate the pork with 1 tbsp fish sauce, salt and pepper and chopped shallots for at least 15 minutes.

3. In a clean stock pot, add olive oil and saute marinated pork ribs for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Add water and smashed shallot to the pot and bring to a boil. Once reached to a boil, lower heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes. Season broth with 1 tbsp fish sauce, chicken powder, salt and pepper.

5. In separate bowl, cook macaroni as per packet instructions. Rinse in cold water to stop over cooking. Before serving, microwave macaroni.

6. Serve in a bowl and garnish with coriander, spring onion, fried shallots and extra pepper.