Discover the authentic flavors of Lao cuisine with our Steamed Lao Tamarind Soup (Tom Som Mak Len). This traditional sour soup, infused with tamarind, offers a delightful balance of tangy and savory notes. Perfect with various meats or vegetables, this dish is both versatile and bursting with flavor. Follow our easy recipe to create this refreshing and wholesome meal that will transport your taste buds to Laos. Ideal for those seeking a unique and healthy culinary experience.

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

- 1 liter water

- 200g meat of your choice (chicken, pork, or beef) or 200g mixed vegetables (eggplant, mushrooms, bamboo shoots)

- 1 tomato, quartered

- 1 onion, sliced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

- 1-2 green chilies (optional for heat)

- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn

- 1 lemongrass stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces and bruised

- Fresh coriander for garnish

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Soup Base:

  - In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the tamarind paste and stir until dissolved. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the sour flavor.

Add Aromatics:

  - Add sliced onion, garlic, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the aromatics release their fragrance.

Cook the Meat or Vegetables:

  - If using meat, add the meat pieces to the pot and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on the type of meat. If using vegetables, add them and cook until they are just tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Season the Soup:

  - Stir in fish sauce, palm sugar, and chilies (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Final Touches:

  - Add the tomato quarters and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

Serve:

  - Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your flavorful Steamed Lao Tamarind Soup!

Nutritional Values:

Tamarind Paste:

   - Calories: 20 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 5g

   - Fiber: 1g

   - Vitamin C: 3% of the Daily Value (DV)

Benefits:

   - Digestive Health: Tamarind is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation.

   - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall health.

   - Heart Health: Tamarind has been known to lower cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.

Meat (Chicken, Pork, or Beef):

   - Chicken: Calories: 165 kcal, Protein: 31g, Fat: 4g

   - Pork: Calories: 242 kcal, Protein: 27g, Fat: 14g

   - Beef: Calories: 250 kcal, Protein: 26g, Fat: 15g

Benefits:

   - High Protein: Essential for muscle building and repair.

   - Iron and B Vitamins: Supports energy production and oxygen transport in the body.

   - Satiety: Protein-rich foods help keep you full longer, aiding in weight management.

Mixed Vegetables (Eggplant, Mushrooms, Bamboo Shoots):

  - Eggplant (per 100g): Calories: 25 kcal, Fiber: 3g, Vitamin C: 3% DV

  - Mushrooms (per 100g): Calories: 22 kcal, Protein: 3g, Vitamin D: 6% DV

  - Bamboo Shoots (per 100g): Calories: 27 kcal, Fiber: 2g, Vitamin B6: 15% DV

Benefits:

   - Eggplant: Rich in antioxidants like nasunin, which protects cells from damage.

   - Mushrooms: A good source of vitamin D and antioxidants, supporting immune health.

   - Bamboo Shoots: Low in calories and high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

Tomato:

   - Calories: 22 kcal

   - Vitamin C: 28% DV

   - Lycopene: 4.6 mg

Benefits:

   - Antioxidant-Rich: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is linked to reduced cancer risk and heart disease prevention.

   - Skin Health: The high vitamin C content promotes collagen production and skin health.

Onion:

   - Calories: 40 kcal

   - Vitamin C: 12% DV

   - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Onions contain quercetin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.

   - Heart Health: Helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.

Garlic:

   - Calories: 4 kcal

   - Vitamin C: 1% DV

   - Allicin: Powerful sulfur compound

Benefits:

   - Immune Boosting: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to fight infections.

   - Heart Health: Helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Fish Sauce:

   - Calories: 10 kcal

   - Sodium: 1,400mg

   - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

   - Umami Flavor: Enhances the flavor of dishes without adding excessive calories.

   - Rich in Protein: Provides a small amount of protein and essential amino acids.

Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar):

   - Calories: 45 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 12g

   - Potassium: 3% DV

Benefits:

   - Natural Sweetener: Contains small amounts of nutrients compared to refined sugar.

   - Lower Glycemic Index: Causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar.

Green Chilies (optional):

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Vitamin C: 12% DV

   - Capsaicin: Active compound

Benefits:

   - Metabolism Boost: Capsaicin in chilies can help increase metabolism and fat burning.

   - Pain Relief: Acts as a natural pain reliever by reducing inflammation.

Kaffir Lime Leaves:

   - Negligible calories, provides aromatic compounds.

Benefits:

   - Aids Digestion: Kaffir lime leaves are known to aid in digestion and alleviate indigestion.

   - Aromatherapy: The scent can relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Lemongrass:

   - Calories: 7 kcal

   - Vitamin C: 2% DV

Benefits:

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.

   - Digestive Health: Promotes healthy digestion and may help relieve bloating and constipation.

Fresh Coriander:

   - Calories: 1 kcal

   - Vitamin K: 12% DV

   - Vitamin A: 4% DV

Benefits:

   - Detoxification: Coriander helps detoxify heavy metals from the body.

   - Rich in Antioxidants: Supports skin health and helps fight infections.

Salt and Pepper:

   - Salt: Sodium content only; used in moderation.

   - Pepper: Negligible calories, contains antioxidants.

Benefits:

   - Salt: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function but should be used in moderation.

   - Pepper: Contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and has anti-inflammatory properties.

By incorporating these ingredients into your Steamed Lao Tamarind Soup, you not only enjoy a flavorful meal but also benefit from a wide range of nutrients that promote overall health.