Pig Feet Soup Canh Gio Heo Recipe

Diving into this comforting bowl of simmered pig feet stew takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the aroma of garlic and ginger would dance through the air, promising a meal that’s not just nourishing but downright soul-soothing.

I enjoy preparing classic Vietnamese meals, and one that I count as a favorite is a soup that has in it pig feet and the broth they make fragrant and delicious. Their cooking supposedly takes the better part of a day, and it can be a night-and-day type of experience to eat it if it is made well versus if it is made poorly.

A well-made pot of Canh Gio Heo, or Pig Feet Soup, with the fragrance of its broth and the tantalizing taste of its gelatinous goodies, is somehow both warming and refreshing.

Ingredients

• Pig Feet: Rich in collagen, aids joint health, protein source.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, adds warmth.
• Daikon Radish: Low-calorie, high in vitamin C, subtle sweetness.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami flavor, essential in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, adds natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Antioxidant properties, enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Black Pepper: Adds complexity, mild heat.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 pounds pig feet, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 inches ginger, sliced
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 daikon radish, peeled and sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish

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How to Make this

1. Wash the hog’s feet in fresh, cold water, using your hands to rub them and remove any lodged dirt. Then, hold them under the running water and use a brush to scrub them clean. The brush will do what your hands cannot: get into the nooks and crannies of the feet and clean them thoroughly. It is an essential step. Do not skip it.

2. Salt the pig feet and let them sit for 10 minutes.

3. In a large pot, over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, the garlic, and the ginger, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Put the pig feet in the pot and sear them on all sides for about 5 minutes.

5. Add in the 8 cups of water and heat until boiling. Remove any foam or strange stuff that might try to float on top.

6. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow the pig feet to cook an hour to an hour and a half, until they are nice and tender.

7. Combine well the following: fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.

8. Add the sliced daikon radish and carrots, then keep simmering for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

9. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or fish sauce as you like.

10. Serve the soup scalding, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Sink with access to fresh, cold water
2. Brush for cleaning
3. Large pot
4. Stove
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon for sautéing and stirring
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cup
11. Ladle for serving

FAQ

• Q: How do I clean pig feet for this soup?A: Wash the pig’s feet very well in cold water. Then soak them in a mixture of water and a little vinegar or salt for about half an hour. H: After they have soaked, wash the feet again under running water.
• Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?A: Yes, all ingredients can be put in a slow cooker after the pig feet have been browned with onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook low and slow for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pig feet are nice and tender.
• Q: Is it possible to use an alternative to pig feet?A: You can use pork hocks or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile, but what’s classic here is using pig feet.
• Q: What does daikon radish add to the soup?A: Daikon radish adds a delicate sweetness and a not-so-spicy pepper flavor that balances the richness of the pig feet.
• Q: How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?A: You can alter the fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper to taste. If you want your dish saltier, add more fish sauce; if you want it sweeter, add more sugar.
• Q: Can I freeze leftover soup?A: Yes, the soup can be preserved for 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to let it cool completely, before storing in blended containers or in bags made for the freezer.

Pig Feet Soup Canh Gio Heo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 teaspoon salt: Replace with 1 teaspoon soy sauce if you want to introduce an umami flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Substitute with 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil.
Minced garlic in 3 cloves: Substitute with 1½ teaspoons garlic powder.
One daikon radish, with peel taken off and cut into pieces: It can be replaced with 1 turnip that has also been peeled and cut into pieces, or with 1 parsnip that has been similarly processed.
For garnish, use chopped fresh cilantro; substitute with chopped fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Thorough Cleaning: Before beginning the cooking process, soak the pig feet in a mixture of water and vinegar for 15-20 minutes after the initial cleaning. This helps remove any lingering odors and impurities, ensuring a cleaner taste.