Tom Yum Soup

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Tom Yum Soup is an aromatic, spicy and sour soup that originates from Thailand. It is a traditional Thai soup that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The soup is made with a combination of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables that are cooked in a flavorful broth with shrimp or any other seafood of your choice.

To make Tom Yum Soup the authentic Thai way, the ingredients are broken down into four categories: the broth, the vegetables, the protein, and the flavorings. The broth is the foundation of the soup and gives it its distinct spicy and sour taste. It is made by simmering lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers in chicken or vegetable broth. This mixture is then strained to remove the aromatics and used as the base for the soup.

The vegetables used in Tom Yum Soup are usually mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. Some variations also include bell peppers, carrots, and baby corn. The protein is typically shrimp or prawns, but you can substitute with chicken, pork, or tofu. The flavorings include fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, which is added to balance out the sourness of the soup.

Preparing Tom Yum Soup is fairly simple but requires some prep work. Start by simmering the broth ingredients in a pot for around 10 minutes until the flavors are infused into the liquid. Remove the aromatics, add in the vegetables and protein, season with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, and let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender and the protein is cooked through.

The final step to truly elevate the flavor of the soup is the addition of fresh herbs – coriander (or cilantro), Thai basil, and spring onions. You can add all three or choose your favorite herb depending on your taste. These herbs add an extra depth of flavor and aroma, making the soup even more delicious.

Tom Yum Soup is known for its health benefits due to the use of fresh herbs and vegetables. Lemongrass, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties, while chili peppers are rich in antioxidants. The soup is also low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for those with specific dietary requirements.

In addition to being a healthy and delicious soup, Tom Yum Soup is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili peppers. You can also add in your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge. You can also serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

In conclusion, Tom Yum Soup is a delicious and healthy Thai soup that is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. With fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings for a tangy and spicy dish. So why not give this recipe a try and surprise your taste buds with an explosion of unique flavor?

Ingredients:

  • 1 carton of chicken or vegetable broth (32 oz)
  • 1-2 stalks of lemongrass
  • 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tbsp of grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp of minced garlic
  • 2-4 small red chilis, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 tbsp of fish sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp of lime juice
  • 2-3 oz of cooked shrimp (or chicken, tofu, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup of canned straw mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Pour chicken or vegetable broth into a soup pot and bring it to a boil.
  2. Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with the flat side of a knife. Add them to the broth and let them simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the kaffir lime leaves, ginger, garlic, and chilies to the broth. Let them simmer for another 10 minutes.
  4. Add in the cooked shrimp (or protein of your choice) and canned mushrooms. Let them simmer for a few minutes until they’re heated through.
  5. Season the soup with fish sauce and lime juice. Adjust the amount to your taste.
  6. Add chopped cilantro leaves and turn off the heat.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: The lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are not edible, so you can remove them before serving. However, they add a lot of flavor to the soup, so you might want to leave them in while eating.