Tom Yum Soup with Coconut Milk ("Tom Khaa")

Soup to boost your immune system? That's right! Tom Yum soup is currently under study for its ability to fight off cold and flu viruses, and perhaps even cancer (see link below for more information). So try my delicious version of Tom Yum Goong, which is basically Tom Yum soup but with a little coconut milk added ("Tom Khaa"). The coconut milk gives it a little more thickness and flavor while still keeping it healthy. It's an easy recipe, and quick to cook up, but tastes like Thai restaurant quality. ENJOY!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups good-tasting chicken stock (SERVES 2-3 people)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced, OR 3 Tbsp. frozen prepared lemongrass (available at Asian stores)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (available fresh or frozen at Asian stores)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chilies, finely sliced, OR substitute 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce (available at all Asian/Chinese food stores and some supermarket chains)
• a generous handful of fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 12 medium raw shrimp, shells removed
• 1 can good-quality coconut milk (not lite)
• 1 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice
• 1/3 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
• optional: 1/2 tsp. sugar
• optional: extra vegetables of your choice (shown here: cherry tomatoes & broccoli)

Preparation:

For complete instructions on cooking with fresh lemongrass, see: All About Lemongrass.

1. Pour stock into a deep cooking pot and bring to a boil.
2. Add the lemongrass and boil for 1-2 minutes. If using fresh lemongrass, also add the tops of the stalks for extra flavor.
3. Add garlic, chili, lime leaves, and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp (plus other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and broccoli, if using). Simmer 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and plump.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the coconut milk plus fish sauce and lime juice. Stir well to combine and gently simmer until hot. Test the soup for salt and spice, adding more fish sauce instead of salt (I usually add 1 more Tbsp.), or more chili as desired. If too sour, add 1/2 tsp. sugar. If too spicy for your taste, add more coconut milk. If too salty, add another squeeze of lime juice.
6. Serve in bowls with fresh coriander sprinkled over. For an extra hit of flavor, you can also add some Thai chili sauce, either store-bought or the homemade version: Nam Prik Pao Chili Sauce Recipe. ENJOY!

For more on the immune-boosting benefits of Tom Yum soup, see: Thai Soup Under Study.

Variations: There are as many variations of Tom Yum soup as there are Thai chefs. Here are some popular versions:

• For a vegetarian version, see: Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup Recipe.
• If you prefer chicken over shrimp, substitute chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces. Or see: Tom Kha Gai (Tom Yum Soup with Chicken & Coconut Milk).
• As mentioned above, this soup is often made without coconut milk (as in the north of Thailand) - see: Traditional Tom Yum Soup Recipe.
• For a noodle version, see: Thai Chicken Noodle Soup with Lemongrass

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