Thai hot and sour soup is hot, spicy, tangy, and savory. The flavors in the soup are distinct and powerful. This mouth-watering soup has sharp lime tanginess, slight sweetness of the fish sauce, and the throat-warming feeling from the chili. The Thai hot and sour soup also called Tom Yum soup, is a traditional Thai soup that is usually cooked using chicken or shrimp. However, both vegan and non-vegetarian versions of the Thai hot and sour soup taste delicious. This is an ideal starter to be followed by a delicious Thai meal.
Health Benefits
This soup is great for strong bones, teeth, strong muscles, and energy. The Thai hot and sour soup is also good for the formation of red blood cells which helps in preventing anemia.
Lemongrass has medicinal properties, it is used for treating stomach pain, vomiting, and cramps. It is also helpful in rheumatic pains.
Ingredients
1 ½ quart chicken broth
1 tsp vegetable oil
4 kaffir lime leaves
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp lemongrass - chopped into 2-inch stalks
1-inch ginger - grated
2 tbsp lime juice - freshly squeezed
2 red chilies - deseeded and finely chopped
2 tsp brown sugar
12 oz boneless, skinless chicken - chopped into bite-sized pieces
4 oz mushrooms - thinly sliced
2 tbsp coriander leaves - chopped
How To Make Thai Hot and Sour Soup
- Heat oil over a medium flame in a large saucepan. Add the grated ginger and red chilies. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Add the chicken broth, lemongrass stalks, and kaffir lime leaves to the saucepan. On boiling, turn the flame to low, cover the pot, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the broth using a slotted spoon.
- Add the sugar, mushrooms, chicken pieces, brown sugar, and fish sauce to the boiling broth. Cook for 10 minutes. Add lime juice and coriander leaves to the soup and simmer for 3 more minutes.
- Remove from the flame and serve hot.
Trivia
Lemongrass is a flowering plant that belongs to the family of grasses. Its origin can be traced to southern India and Sri Lanka. Lemongrass is used extensively in Southeast Asian food for its tangy flavor. It is also used in making tea.
Lemongrass is called “Sweet Rush” in the Caribbean. It is used for treating common cold and fever.