Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup

Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The combination of lemongrass, lime leaves, and chile paste creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Thai cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh herbs and spices. Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Thai cooking, as it adds a bright and citrusy flavor to dishes. The addition of chile paste gives this soup a spicy kick that is balanced out by the earthy mushrooms and tangy tomatoes.

Ingredients

4 cups vegetable broth
2 large lemongrass stalks, peeled and cut into 4-inch pieces
3 dried Thai kaffir lime leaves (optional)
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp peeled, minced fresh ginger
2 tsp roasted chile paste
1.5 cups chopped oyster or white mushrooms
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
0.75 cup finely chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
2 to 3 small hot green chiles, seeded and halved (optional)

How to prepare

1. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable broth to a simmer with lemongrass and lime leaves if desired.
2. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and cook, stirring often, for about 30 seconds. When the broth has simmered for 5 minutes, remove lemongrass and lime leaves and discard. Add the cooked garlic and ginger to the broth. Return the broth to a boil, and stir in chili paste and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms have wilted, about 30 seconds, then stir in lime juice and soy sauce. Remove from heat, and ladle the soup into small bowls.
3. Top each bowl with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and a pinch of hot green chilies if desired. Alternatively, mix the tomatoes and chilies together and place them in a small serving bowl for people to help themselves.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Use coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Swap out the mushrooms for other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the vegetable broth with the lemongrass and lime leaves to infuse the broth with their flavors.

- When cooking the garlic and ginger, be careful not to burn them as they can become bitter.

- Adjust the amount of chile paste and hot green chiles to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup as a starter or pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemongrass paste instead of fresh lemongrass.

- Substitute Thai basil for cilantro.

- Use red curry paste instead of chile paste.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of cilantro. For a more elegant presentation, serve in small teacups or shot glasses as a starter.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp and refreshing Thai beer or a glass of chilled white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a Thai iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

Alergens

Soy

Summary

This Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense dish that is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.

Summary

This Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to explore the local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for a new dish. As I wandered through the stalls, the aroma of lemongrass and chiles caught my attention, drawing me towards a small stand run by a friendly elderly woman.

She greeted me with a warm smile and began to tell me about the traditional Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup that she had learned to make from her grandmother many years ago. Intrigued by her story, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and proceeded to tell me the ingredients and steps needed to create this flavorful and aromatic soup.

The recipe called for lemongrass, chiles, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, chicken broth, and various herbs and spices. It seemed like a complex dish to make, but the kind lady assured me that with practice and patience, I would be able to master it.

Excited to try out this new recipe, I hurried home with my fresh ingredients in hand. As I chopped and minced, my kitchen filled with the fragrant scents of lemongrass and chiles, transporting me to far-off lands where exotic flavors reign supreme.

After hours of simmering and stirring, my Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup was finally ready. I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and took my first sip. The burst of vibrant flavors on my tongue was like nothing I had ever tasted before - sweet, sour, spicy, and savory all at once.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that fateful day at the farmer's market and the kind woman who shared her traditional recipe with me.

I have since shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its bold and delicious flavors. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to impress and delight those who try it.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am grateful for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and express my creativity. And this Thai Lemongrass and Chile Soup is a shining example of how a simple recipe can bring people together and create lasting memories.

So, if you ever find yourself in search of a new and exciting dish to try, I urge you to give this recipe a chance. Let the fragrant aromas and bold flavors transport you to a world of culinary delight, just as it has done for me. And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite dish that will become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen.