Tom Yum Soup

Want a soup to boost your immune system, one that tastes delicious? Tom Yum soup is currently under study for its ability to fight off cold and flu viruses, and perhaps even cancer  It's an easy recipe, and quick to cook, but it tastes absolutely delicious. This soup has a mixture of spicy flavors, even as it retains a delicate quality.

 

 

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: SERVES 2-3

Ingredients:

• 4-6 cups good-tasting chicken stock
• 1 stalk lemongrass minced, OR 4 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
• 1/2 can good-quality coconut milk, OR 1/2 can evaporated milk
• 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)

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 upper stalk pieces 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 or if you'd like it creamier, 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. Enjoy!