| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 30g | 14g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 20g | 1.2g |
Please note that numbers are subject to variation based on the actual size of the ingredients.
One of my favorite creations, and a dish that truly embodies my love for culinary diversity, is the Thai Lesser Galangal Soup (Tom Kha). This is a magnificent dish that marries the sweet, tropical flavors commonly found in Thai cuisine with a burst of freshness from various herbs, and warmth from the spicy kick of red chili peppers. While my Italian ancestors might raise their eyebrows at trading basil for lemongrass, and their beloved olive oil for coconut milk, I believe that embracing different aspects of world cuisine can lead to tantalizing symphony of flavors on our plates.
A Gourmet Journey to Thailand
The beauty of this dish is that each ingredient elegantly combines to create this unique Thai flavor that speaks to your palate. From the subtle hints of sweet brown sugar to the tangy aroma of the lime leaves, each ingredient plays an important role. It’s quite the journey – one that starts right in the comfort of your kitchen.
This recipe always takes me back to a trip I made to Thailand years ago, where I first tasted this exquisite soup. I was instantly taken by the harmonious combination of flavors – a beautiful concert of sweet, sour, hot, and spicy, an opulent melody that I knew I needed to replicate. The original Thai version I had in a little roadside food stall in Bangkok was unforgettable, but I’ve given it my own spin by using my favorite homemade chicken broth as the base.
The Healthful Bowl of Comfort
However, the Thai Lesser Galangal Soup (Tom Kha) is not just about its flavor. This recipe holds a key place in my culinary collection for its impressive health benefits as well. The wonderful mix of herbs like galangal and lemongrass, combined with the goodness of chicken and mushrooms, makes this a nutritional powerhouse and a trusty winter companion. The coconut milk lends a silky texture and enriches the soup with healthy fats, while the protein-packed chicken keeps you satiated.
Despite its elaborate flavor profile, this soup can be surprisingly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a simple Thai jasmine rice or even with some grilled chicken satay. Moreover, if you are a seafood lover like me, you could try swapping the chicken out with some succulent prawns for a seaside spin on this Thai classic.
So here it is – the Thai Lesser Galangal Soup (Tom Kha), a dish that not only celebrates my constant exploration of diverse cuisines, but also allows us to enjoy a comfort food that’s as healthy as it is flavorful.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 quarts of chicken broth
- 3 stalks lemongrass, mashed
- 1.5 inches piece Galangal, thinly sliced
- 6 Kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1.5 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 red chili peppers, sliced
- 6 cans coconut milk
- 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Method
Step One
Pour the chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Step Two
While the broth is heating up, add in the mashed lemongrass, thinly sliced galangal, and torn Kaffir lime leaves.
Step Three
Next, add the chicken breasts that have been sliced into thin strips. Let this cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step Four
Stir in the sliced fresh mushrooms and sliced red chili peppers into the pot.
Step Five
Then add the canned coconut milk to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it back to a simmer.
Step Six
Once simmering, add the fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar into the soup. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, to let the flavors mix together.
Step Seven
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step Eight
Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and basil on top. Enjoy your Thai Lesser Galangal Soup (Tom Kha)!
