TOM KA KAI SOUP

TOM KA KAI SOUP image

Yield 6 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients:
6 cups good-quality chicken stock (Serves 2 as the main entree, or 4 as an appetizer)
1-2 chicken breasts, sliced, OR 1-2 cups roasted chicken or turkey
1 lemongrass stalk
4 kaffir limes leaves (fresh or frozen)
handful of fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced (if dried, be sure to soak them in hot water for several hours)
1 thumb-size piece galangal or ginger, grated
1-3 fresh red chilies, according to taste (1=mild, 2=medium, 3=spicy hot)
1 can coconut milk
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2+ Tbsp. fish sauce
1 tsp. brown sugar (optional, according to taste)
handful fresh coriander leaves
handful fresh basil leaves
3 spring (green) onions, sliced
optional: more vegetables, like green or red bell pepper, plus noodles (if serving as the main course)

Steps:

Preparation: Slice and mince the lower portion of the lemongrass stalk. Retain the upper stalk for the soup pot. For more detailed instructions on how to do this, see: All About Lemongrass Guide Place chicken broth in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. If you have leftover chicken or turkey bones, add those too. Bring to a boil. Add fresh chicken (or leftover chicken or turkey) and mushrooms. Also add the prepared lemongrass (including upper stalk pieces), plus kaffir lime leaves and fresh chili. Boil 5-8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked. Turn heat down to medium. Add the galangal or ginger, coconut milk, fish sauce, and extra vegetables (if using). Stir well. Simmer gently 1-2 minutes. Turn heat down to minimum. Add lime juice and stir. Do a taste test. Look for a balance between spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Start with salty, adding more fish sauce if not salty enough (1 Tbsp. at a time). If too sour, add the sugar plus a little more if you need it. If too spicy (hot), add a little more coconut milk. If not spicy enough, add more fresh chili. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle a little fresh coriander, basil, and spring onion over each bowl. For an extra kick of flavor, add a dollop of either store-bought or my own homemade Nam Prik Pao Chili Sauce Recipe. ENJOY!