Rice Soup

Authentic Rice Soup Recipe from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe combines the simplicity of rice with the savory flavors of marinated chicken to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Rice soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients and seasonings to suit individual tastes. In some cultures, rice soup is considered a traditional remedy for colds and flu due to its soothing and nourishing properties.

Ingredients

3 cups jasmine rice
2 tsp salt
0.5 cup cooking oil
10 cups cold water
Marinated chicken
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 cup soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
0.25 cup cooking oil

How to prepare

1. Rinse the jasmine rice in cold water.
2. Transfer the rinsed rice to a large stock pot.
3. Sprinkle 2 tsp of salt over the rice and gently shake to combine.
4. Add 10 cups of cold water and 0.5 cup of cooking oil to the pot, then partially cover it.
5. Turn the stove to HIGH heat and bring the rice and water mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to MEDIUM or MEDIUM/LOW and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The soup will thicken over time. If it becomes too thick for your taste, add water and continue cooking.
7. Meanwhile, combine the chicken, 0.5 tsp of salt, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and cooking oil in a bowl. Stir to ensure the chicken is coated with the marinade.
8. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
9. If marinating overnight, combine all ingredients except for the oil. Add the oil right before using in the soup.
10. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the marinated chicken to the pot and stir to cook. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve the soup in heat-resistant bowls.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of rice such as brown rice or wild rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the jasmine rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.

- Cooking the rice in cold water helps to create a creamy and thick soup.

- Marinating the chicken adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Stir the soup occasionally while cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice soup with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the rice in cold water helps to create a creamy and thick soup.

- Marinating the chicken adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Stir the soup occasionally while cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain white rice.

Make Ahead Tips

The rice soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the rice soup with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the rice soup with a side of garlic bread or crispy wontons for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rice soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rice soup contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rice soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rice soup contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rice soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice soup is a good source of vitamin B6, iron, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Rice soup is a nutritious and filling meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a comforting meal.

Summary

Rice soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe combines the simplicity of rice with the savory flavors of marinated chicken to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy a bowl of rice soup for a hearty and nutritious meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Rice Soup. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up the most delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients.

One day, as I watched her prepare a hearty pot of soup for our family dinner, I asked her how she knew which ingredients to use and how to cook them just right. She smiled and told me that she had learned from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipes through generations.

As she stirred the pot, she began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make Rice Soup. It was a cold winter day, much like the one we were experiencing now, and her grandmother had decided to make a warming soup for the family. She had gathered all the ingredients – rice, vegetables, and broth – and set to work in the kitchen.

I listened intently as my grandmother recounted how her grandmother had shown her how to cook the rice just right, so that it was perfectly tender and fluffy. She explained how important it was to sauté the vegetables first, to bring out their flavors, before adding them to the pot with the rice and broth.

As she spoke, I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the soup wafting through the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. My grandmother explained how her grandmother had taught her to season the soup with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and herbs, so that the flavors were perfectly balanced.

She went on to tell me how her grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and how she had made it countless times for her own family over the years. She spoke with such passion and love for the dish that I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

And so, that day, my grandmother taught me how to make Rice Soup. She guided me through each step, showing me how to cook the rice, sauté the vegetables, and season the broth. I watched in awe as she worked her magic in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious and nourishing meal.

As we sat down to eat the soup together, I could see the pride in my grandmother's eyes as she watched me take my first spoonful. The flavors were exquisite, the rice perfectly cooked, and the vegetables tender and flavorful. I knew then that I had learned a valuable lesson in the art of cooking, one that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

And so, whenever I make Rice Soup now, I think of my grandmother and her grandmother before her, passing down the recipe through the generations. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills they have shared with me, and I take pride in knowing that I am continuing a tradition that has been cherished in our family for so many years.

So, the next time you enjoy a bowl of Rice Soup, think of the love and care that went into preparing it, and remember the generations of cooks who have passed down the recipe with such passion and dedication. And perhaps, one day, you too will pass it down to your own loved ones, keeping the tradition alive for years to come.