| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 7g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2.5g | 18g | 1.2g |
I’m passionate for hearty, comforting recipes, and my latest obsession is a Thai Lemongrass Soup, a bowlful of flavors that expresses its own tale of the fusion of cultures within my kitchen. It’s exciting, bringing together the simple delights of farm-to-table produce at the heart of Midwestern cooking I’m accustomed to, and melding with the bold flavors of Thailand.
Out here in Nebraska, we know a thing or two about filling the table with the bounty of the land. Each of the ingredients in this nutrient-dense soup has a part to play, each piece echoing a symphony for the palate—tangy, spicy, savory, and sweet.
A Melting Pot of Taste and Tradition
This Thai Lemongrass Soup is more than a simple dish—it’s a welcomed journey to a rich, southeastern Asian culinary tradition right in my humble Nebraskan kitchen. Thailand is known for its vibrant dishes abundant in herbs and spices, no wonder why Thai food is celebrated around the globe for its distinctive taste.
This tasty creation is similar in spirit to other soup recipes such as Tom Yum Soup and Thai Coconut Soup. Pair it nicely with some jasmine rice or noodles to make a full meal! Or, with a crisp spring roll and a side of sweet chili sauce. Go ahead and experiment; after all, combinations are endless in the realm of food!
Healthful, Hearty, and Heavenly
But beyond its aromatic allure, this Thai Lemongrass Soup offers a wealth of health benefits. The soup’s star ingredient, lemongrass, for instance, is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The galangal, a relative of ginger, helps with digestion. And let’s not forget the chilies, bundle of vitamin c, and kaffir lime leaves, high in beneficial antioxidants.
Brimming with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is a hearty choice for any day. The savoriness of the chicken and fish sauce, contrasted with the sweetness brought by the pineapple and coconut milk, brightens the taste of this classic soup. Garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves release a burst of freshness, leaving you with an unforgettable aftertaste.
And so, while I might have been brought up in the world of corn casseroles and beef stews, I’ve found that my family’s table — and my appetite — can always make room for the enticing twist of this Thai Lemongrass Soup.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass
- 1 inch of fresh galangal, sliced
- 10 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bird’s eye chilies, chopped
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of straw mushrooms, halved
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 cup of canned, unsweetened coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice your lemongrass stalks into 2-inch long pieces and crush them lightly to release their flavor. Cut the galangal into slices, chop your bird’s eye chilies, thinly slice the chicken breasts and onion, dice the tomato, and half the straw mushrooms.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies. Lower the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the broth.
Step Three
After 20 minutes, using a slotted spoon or a strainer, remove the lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chilies from the soup.
Step Four
Next, add the sliced chicken, straw mushrooms, diced tomato, pineapple chunks, and sliced onion to the broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Then, pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Six
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar, depending on your preference.
Step Seven
Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, turn off the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
