Lea’s Tom Ka Kai Soup is a delightful rendition of the classic spicy Thai soup, meticulously perfected over time to achieve a flavor profile that rivals that of restaurant-quality offerings. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes and a prep time of 20 minutes, this dish can grace your table in a total time of 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, this soup is best enjoyed served over fragrant white sticky rice, adding a delightful texture contrast to each spoonful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to experiment with variations until you discover your perfect blend of ingredients.
For those who prefer to steer clear of coconut milk, a popular alternative is the “Tom Yum” version of this soup, which omits the coconut milk and cream while still delivering a tantalizing taste experience. Despite personal reservations about coconut, the creator of this recipe can attest to the irresistible allure of this soup when prepared with coconut milk, adding a creamy richness that elevates the dish to new heights.
Belonging to the Thai culinary tradition, this recipe falls under the category of Thai cuisine and is characterized by its Asian influence, quick preparation time of less than 60 minutes, and stove-top cooking method.
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this soup a culinary masterpiece:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Fish sauce | 2 |
| Oyster sauce | 1 |
| Coconut milk | 2 |
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 3 |
| Lemon grass root | 4 |
| Lime peel | 1/4 |
| Lime, juice of | 1 |
| Garlic | 4 |
| Red chili | 1 |
| Cilantro | 1 |
| Boneless skinless chicken | 1/8 |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 |
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars and glowing reviews from 7 satisfied diners, Lea’s Tom Ka Kai Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Each serving packs a punch of flavor while remaining relatively light, with 180.8 calories, 10.9 grams of fat, and 15.2 grams of protein.
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey of preparing this exquisite soup:
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: In a medium to large saucepan, combine all ingredients except garlic, red chili, ginger root, cilantro, chicken, and half-and-half cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, infusing the broth with the essence of the aromatic herbs and spices.
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Chop and Add Ingredients: Meanwhile, finely chop the remaining ingredients (excluding chicken and half-and-half cream) using a chopping machine or knife. Once chopped, add these ingredients to the simmering pot, enhancing the depth of flavor and texture.
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Cook the Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Allow the chicken to boil in the flavorful broth for approximately 5 minutes or until fully cooked, ensuring tender and juicy morsels in every spoonful.
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Incorporate Creaminess: Introduce the half-and-half cream into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Let the soup simmer for an additional three minutes, allowing the cream to meld seamlessly with the aromatic spices and herbs, imparting a luxurious creaminess to the dish.
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Final Touches: Before serving, remember to remove the lemon grass root from the soup, as its primary purpose is to infuse the broth with its distinctive citrusy flavor. Alternatively, inform diners to remove the lemon grass before enjoying their soup.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm or hot soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Pair the soup with steamed white sticky rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Additional Notes:
- Essential ingredients such as fish sauce, oyster sauce, and Tom Yum paste can be readily sourced from Thai or Chinese markets. Alternatively, check your local grocery store, as they may also carry these specialty items.
With its tantalizing blend of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors, Lea’s Tom Ka Kai Soup promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand with each delightful spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or showcased as the star attraction at your next dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews and become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
