Savor Authentic Thai Chicken and Coconut Soup

Added by kocky, April 8, 2024
soups → chicken-soup
Thai cuisine

This Thai Chicken and Coconut Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, combines rich coconut milk, tender chicken, and aromatic Thai herbs for a comforting, flavorful dish that warms the soul.

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 cans (14 oz each) coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and bruised
• 3 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (substitute with 1 tsp lime zest if unavailable)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably palm sugar)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional garnish: Fresh Thai basil, chili oil

Directions

1. Strong Heading: Prepare the Aromatics
2. Begin by bruising the lemongrass stalk to release its flavors. In a soup pot, gently heat the coconut milk and chicken stock. Add the bruised lemongrass, galangal slices, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth.
3. Strong Heading: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
4. Stir in the thinly sliced chicken breast, ensuring it's submerged for even cooking. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.
5. Strong Heading: Season the Soup
6. Incorporate the fish sauce and sugar, adjusting according to taste. Add the sliced Thai chilies, being mindful of the heat they bring to the soup.
7. Strong Heading: Final Touches
8. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lime juice, which will add a refreshing brightness to the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped cilantro, Thai basil, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Use authentic Thai ingredients like galangal and kaffir lime leaves for a more traditional flavor.
2. Adjust the chili amount to suit your heat preference.
3. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
4. Bruising the lemongrass releases more flavor into the soup.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Thai Chicken and Coconut Soup, or Tom Kha Gai, is a staple in Thai cuisine, beloved for its creamy texture and complex flavors. It originated in the central part of Thailand, where coconut milk and fresh herbs are abundant. The soup is a perfect representation of Thai cooking, which balances the five fundamental tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy.

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