This simple and wholesome chicken soup is a staple in the Thai household and can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It is a rich and creamy coconut milk-based soup that is usually served with jasmine rice on the side. It is a delicious way to replenish yourself after a long day. It is straightforward to make at home with minimal ingredients and is an excellent choice if you are looking for comfort food.
Tom Kha Gai’s name translates to boiled galangal chicken soup, and it is a flavorsome blend of coconut milk, chicken chunks or shreds, galangal (a reddish-brown or pink woody plant related to ginger), lemongrass, garlic, bird’s eye chili peppers, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and shiitake mushrooms. The fresh kaffir lime leaves add a unique fragrance and flavor to the soup and its signature aroma. This recipe is also suitable for vegetarians and can be made with tofu.
Adding chicken and other protein-based ingredients like shrimp, prawns, or pork can change this dish’s taste as they cook longer than tofu. It is also possible to make this soup with just vegetables or a mixture of them for a lighter version. This is a great one-pot meal that can be eaten as either a starter or main course.
The most common ingredients in this recipe are readily available at any grocery store. You will need some extras, though, such as fresh kaffir lime leaves. These are a must to get the best flavor. If you cannot find them, try searching for Asian markets in your area.
Another essential ingredient is galangal root. It is similar to ginger and has a very distinct taste. It is easier to find than the other two ingredients, but it requires more patience since cutting can be challenging. You can usually purchase it in the same produce section as ginger and root vegetables.
Once you have these key ingredients, it’s a matter of combining them and cooking them for a few minutes. It’s essential to use low heat because the coconut milk can burn and scald if it is allowed to come to a boil. Once everything is mixed, it should be served with a garnish of cilantro and sliced chili.
This soup is less spicy than the southern Thai gang som, but it has a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. It is also a versatile recipe and can be adjusted to suit your preferences by changing the amount of fish sauce, chili peppers, or lime juice. So could you give it a go and enjoy it?