Thai-inspired chicken and rice noodle soup

Thai-inspired chicken and rice noodle soup

                                                                 

 One of the most famous Thai soups is "Tom Kha Gai," which is a coconut milk-based soup with chicken and aromatic Thai herbs. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the soup base:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3-4 slices galangal or ginger
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (e.g., straw mushrooms or cremini mushrooms)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt, to taste

For assembling:

• Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Thai basil leaves
• Lime wedges
• Thai bird's eye chilies, thinly sliced (for extra heat, optional)

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.

• Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Add lemongrass, galangal or ginger, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

• Add the sliced chicken strips and mushrooms to the simmering soup. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Season the soup with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add the smashed Thai bird's eye chilies for spice, if desired.

• Finally, add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them soften slightly in the soup.

• To serve, place a portion of cooked rice noodles into each serving bowl.

• Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, making sure to distribute the chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes evenly.

• Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro leaves, Thai basil leaves, and additional lime wedges on the side.

• If you like it spicier, you can also serve extra sliced Thai bird's eye chilies on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Thai-inspired chicken and rice noodle soup! Adjust the ingredients and spice level according to your taste preferences