Sesbania Flower Soup
Sesbania Flower Soup is a light, refreshing Southeast Asian soup, popular in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. It typically features delicate, edible Sesbania grandiflora flowers, known locally as 'dok leb pa nang,' simmered in a clear broth with ingredients like shrimp, tomatoes, and herbs. The dish is prized for its subtle, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant appearance.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb soup, making it a light option. It provides a good source of vitamins A and C from the flowers and vegetables, along with minerals like potassium and iron, with a typical serving containing around 80-120 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Protein | 6.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a seasonal delicacy, as the flowers are often foraged or grown in home gardens and are most available during the rainy season. Nutritionally, the flowers are a unique, plant-based source of antioxidants and are traditionally believed to have cooling properties in herbal medicine.
