LEA'S TOM KA KAI SOUP

Lea's Tom Ka Kai Soup image

Provided by Lea Deesing

Categories Thai

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons fish sauce or 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 can coconut milk
2 cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons shrimp soup paste (add more for more spice, however the mixture becomes saltier) or 3 tablespoons tom yum paste (add more for more spice, however the mixture becomes saltier)
4 sprigs lemon grass root (two inch sprigs)
1/4 lime peel, ground finely
1 lime, juice of
4 cloves garlic (or more depending on your preference)
1 small red chile (add more for more spice)
1 teaspoon fresh gingerroot
1/8 cup chopped cilantro
1 lb chopped boneless skinless chicken, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup half-and-half cream (add more if you like it creamier!)

Steps:

In medium to large saucepan, bring to boil ALL ingredients EXCEPT garlic, red chili, ginger root, cilantro, chicken, and half and half cream.
Meanwhile, chop the remaining ingredients (except chicken and half and half cream) finely in chopping machine, then add this to the pot.
Chop and boil the chicken pieces in the soup for around 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
Add the half-and-half cream to the soup and stir constantly to avoid curdling for around three minutes.
Remove lemon grass root upon serving, or tell victims to remove before eating the soup!
Serve soup warm or hot.
NOTE: fish sauce, oyster sauce, Tom Yum paste may be purchased at a Thai or Chinese market. Also, sometimes your local store will carry these items.