Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor with our Veggie Thai Coconut Soup Tom Kha! This delightful dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy way to bring the vibrant tastes of Thailand right to your kitchen. With creamy coconut milk, aromatic herbs, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Ready to awaken your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and slicing vegetables. Smash lemongrass stalks to release aromatic oils, and remove stems from kaffir lime leaves.
- In a large pot, combine coconut milk and vegetable broth over medium heat. Stir gently to blend liquids evenly.
- Add smashed lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves to the liquid. Allow them to simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse their distinctive flavors into the broth.
- Add sliced onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still retain some crispness.
- Stir in soy sauce to enhance the umami flavor of the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the soup before serving.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup just before serving to add brightness and acidity.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with steamed jasmine rice on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and slice all your vegetables before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Infuse the Flavors: When smashing the lemongrass, be sure to apply enough pressure to release its aromatic oils, as this will enhance the soup's flavor significantly.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili paste to the broth for an extra kick.
- Texture Matters: To keep the vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking them. Aim for tender but still slightly crunchy veggies for the best texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the flavor of the soup. Don’t skimp on the garnish!
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Tom Kha soup with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 0mg