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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, you’ve likely indulged in the creamy, aromatic delight that is Tom Kha Gai. This fragrant coconut soup, featuring tender chicken and a medley of herbs and spices, is loved for its perfect balance of flavours—citrusy, herbal, and mildly spicy. In this article, we will explore the authentic recipe for Tom Kha Gai, ensuring you can create this delightful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To prepare Tom Kha Gai for four servings, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast (sliced thinly)
• 400ml coconut milk
• 500ml chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 3-4 stalks of lemongrass (trimmed and smashed)
• 3-4 slices of galangal (or ginger, if unavailable)
• 5-6 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chillies (smashed, adjust to taste)
• 200g mushrooms (shiitake or oyster, sliced)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar is ideal)
• Fresh coriander (for garnish)
• Chillies in oil (optional, for serving)
• Spring onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth
   Begin by heating a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the chicken stock and add the smashed lemongrass, galangal slices, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavours of the herbs to infuse the broth for about 10 minutes.

2. Add the Chicken and Mushrooms
   After the broth has infused, add the sliced chicken to the saucepan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms, allowing them to soften for an additional 3-4 minutes.

3. Incorporate Coconut Milk
   Stir in the coconut milk and allow the soup to reach a gentle simmer again. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the coconut milk to separate.

4. Season the Soup
   Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce or lime juice, depending on your preference for saltiness and acidity.

5. Final Touches
   Toss in the smashed bird’s eye chillies for that signature Thai heat. Allow the soup to simmer for another minute before removing it from the heat.

6. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped coriander and spring onions. A drizzle of chilli oil can be added for an extra kick, should you desire.

Tips for Success

• Selecting Ingredients: Sourcing fresh ingredients, particularly the herbs, is crucial for an authentic taste. Look for Asian grocery stores or markets for the best quality lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
• Customising Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, adjust the number of chillies to suit your palate. Alternatively, serving the soup with a side of crushed chillies allows diners to spice their bowls as they wish.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian adaptation, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Conclusion

Tom Kha Gai is an aromatic soup that encapsulates the essence of Thai cooking with its harmonious balance of flavours. By following this authentic recipe, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort that this delightful dish brings, right at home. Whether as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends, transporting them straight to the bustling streets of Thailand with every delicious spoonful. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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