Khmer Mushroom Soup
Khmer Mushroom Soup Recipe - A Delicious Cambodian Dish
Introduction
Khmer Mushroom Soup is a flavorful and aromatic soup that is popular in Cambodian cuisine. This soup is made with fresh vegetable stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, and a hint of chili sauce for a spicy kick.
History
Khmer Mushroom Soup has been a staple in Cambodian cuisine for centuries. It is a simple yet delicious soup that is often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
- 900 ml/30 fl oz fresh vegetable stock
- 2 tsp chili sauce (check ingredients)
- 5 cm/2 inches fresh lemon grass, finely chopped into rings
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, roughly shredded
- 2 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 75 g/3 oz oyster or button mushrooms, halved
- 1 fresh chili, split open
How to prepare
- Place the vegetable stock in a large saucepan along with the pepper sauce and bring it to a boil while stirring.
- Add the remaining ingredients, mix well, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring for 10 minutes.
- Serve it hot.
Variations
- Add tofu or shrimp for added protein.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a burst of flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to finely chop the lemongrass to release its aromatic flavor into the soup.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Khmer Mushroom Soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.
Cooking Techniques
Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute lime juice for lemon juice if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with a slice of fresh chili for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Khmer Mushroom Soup with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
80
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
Fats
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 20% of daily value
- Iron: 6% of daily value
Alergens
This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Summary
This Khmer Mushroom Soup is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and nutritious option for a light meal.
Summary
Khmer Mushroom Soup is a delicious and healthy soup that is perfect for a light meal. With its aromatic flavors and spicy kick, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a handwritten note tucked away in a dusty old cookbook that my friend had given me. The recipe was for Khmer Mushroom Soup, a traditional Cambodian dish that I had never heard of before. Intrigued by the exotic flavors and ingredients listed, I knew I had to give it a try.
I remember the excitement I felt as I gathered all the necessary ingredients from the local market. The aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves filled the air as I prepared the soup. I could already imagine the rich and savory flavors that would soon be simmering in my pot.
As I chopped the mushrooms and vegetables, I couldn't help but think back to the countless recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special place in my heart, a memory of where I had learned it and the people who had shared it with me. This Khmer Mushroom Soup recipe was no different – it was a piece of Cambodian culture that I was eager to explore.
I first learned about Cambodian cuisine from my dear friend Sophea, who had grown up in Cambodia and shared her family's recipes with me. She would often regale me with stories of her grandmother's cooking, the fragrant curries, and spicy soups that filled her childhood home. Sophea's passion for her culture's cuisine was infectious, and I found myself captivated by the flavors and traditions of Cambodia.
One summer, Sophea invited me to her home for a traditional Cambodian feast. As we sat around the table, she served us steaming bowls of Khmer Mushroom Soup, a dish that she had learned from her mother. The soup was a symphony of flavors – the earthy mushrooms, the tangy lemongrass, and the aromatic herbs combined to create a dish that was both comforting and exotic.
I watched as Sophea deftly prepared the soup, her hands moving with practiced grace as she added each ingredient. She explained the significance of each component, the balance of flavors and textures that made Cambodian cuisine so unique. I was mesmerized by her skill and knowledge, and I knew that I wanted to learn more about this beautiful and complex cuisine.
After that fateful dinner, Sophea became my mentor in all things Cambodian. She taught me the basics of Cambodian cooking – how to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, how to use traditional herbs and spices, and how to appreciate the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. She shared her family's recipes with me, passing down generations of culinary wisdom that had been lovingly preserved.
The Khmer Mushroom Soup recipe was one of the first dishes that Sophea taught me to make. She explained the importance of using fresh, local mushrooms, and the proper technique for extracting their rich umami flavor. She showed me how to infuse the broth with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, imparting a depth of flavor that was truly extraordinary.
As I cooked the soup, I felt a connection to the generations of Cambodian cooks who had come before me. I imagined the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, the sizzle of street food stalls, and the laughter of families gathered around the dinner table. I felt honored to be carrying on the traditions of a culture that was so vibrant and resilient, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.
Now, whenever I make Khmer Mushroom Soup, I think of Sophea and the countless hours we spent together in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter as we cooked. I remember the warmth and generosity of the Cambodian people, and the beauty of their cuisine that has enriched my life in so many ways. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of soup, I am grateful for the gift of friendship and the joy of discovering new flavors and traditions.
Categories
| Cambodian Recipes | Cambodian Soups | Chile Leaf Recipes | Kaffir Lime Recipes | Lemongrass Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes |