Lao food: Vegetarian Noodle Soup / Kao-Piek Sen / ข้าวเปียก มังสวิรัติ

rice noodles

🥗Healthier: zucchini noodles

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Zucchini noodles are lower in carbs and calories.

shiitake mushrooms

🥗Healthier: button mushrooms

💰Cheaper: cremini mushrooms

Button mushrooms are more affordable and widely available.

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: canned chickpeas

Chickpeas provide protein and are often less expensive.

vegetarian broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock can be made from scraps, reducing waste.

Heat vegetarian broth in a large pot over medium heat until simmering.

Add sliced carrots and bell peppers; cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

Stir in shiitake mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender, about 4-6 minutes.

In the last minute of cooking, stir in spinach until wilted.

Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.

Remove from heat and squeeze in fresh lime juice.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.

Top with tofu and chili flakes if desired.

Enjoy warm.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens