Vietnamese soup with fish balls

Step 1

To make broth, heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger and spices, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, to make fish balls, process fish, garlic, ginger and egg in a food processor until combined. Transfer to a large bowl with mint. Season, then stir to combine. Roll heaped tablespoons of mixture into 20 balls.

Step 3

Carefully lower fish balls into broth. Increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4 minutes. Add rice noodles and cook for a further 3 minutes or until fish balls and noodles are cooked.

Step 4

Divide soup among bowls. Scatter with spring onions and sliced chilli, if using, to serve.