FOOD NEWS
Here's What Makes Suan La Fen, The Hot And Sour Glass Noodle Soup, Unique
BY CLARICE KNELLY
Suan la fen, or hot and sour glass noodle soup, is a tangy, savory, and spicy Chinese noodle soup that’s perfect for both the winter and summer months.
Not to be confused with hot and sour soup, suan la fen features a fiery soup base loaded with slipper and chewy sweet potato "glass" noodles, along with plenty of garnishes.
Suan la fen hails from China’s famed Sichuan region, renowned for its spicy and flavorful cuisine that incorporates mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
Suan la fen's base is typically made from chicken stock, but you can use vegetarian or pork stock, along with chili oil, black vinegar, Sichuan peppercorn, soy sauce, and garlic.
The broth is then enhanced with thick and semi-translucent sweet potato noodles, which have a perfectly chewy, soft texture, and the soup should be heated well before serving.
Serve the fragrant soup in a small bowl as an appetizer or side, and top with fried soybeans, crispy pork, and pickled veggies, or the easier peanuts, green onion, and cilantro.