Welcome to the heart of Cambodian cuisine, where tradition and flavor meld seamlessly to create dishes that are both comforting and exotic. Amongst the myriad of Cambodian delicacies, one dish stands out for its rich history and complex flavors – Samlor Korko. This traditional Cambodian soup encapsulates the essence of Cambodian cooking, with its aromatic blend of spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables.

In this recipe, we embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect Samlor Korko. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of balancing flavors, we'll delve into the nuances of this beloved Cambodian dish. So, prepare your taste buds for an adventure as we explore the flavors of Cambodia through the delightful concoction of Samlor Korko.

Ingredients:

• 500g of meat (chicken, beef, pork, or seafood), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 stalks lemongrass, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, eggplant, pumpkin, cabbage), chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup snake beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, basil, and green onions) for garnish

Instructions:

1- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallot, and sliced lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

2- Add the thinly sliced meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

3- Once the meat is cooked, add the mixed vegetables, mushrooms, and snake beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.

4- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5- Season the soup with fish sauce, palm sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

6- Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

7- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and ladle it into serving bowls.

8- Garnish each bowl of Samlor Korko with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, and green onions.

9- Serve the Cambodian Samlor Korko hot alongside steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Values:

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this traditional Cambodian soup/stew, as it transports you to the vibrant streets of Cambodia with every comforting spoonful!

500g of Meat (Chicken, Beef, Pork, or Seafood):

• Nutritional values vary based on the type of meat chosen. For example, chicken breast would typically contain approximately:
• Calories: 165 calories
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil:

• Calories: 120 calories
• Fat: 14g
• No protein or carbohydrates

benefits: Provides healthy fats that support brain function and vitamin absorption.

3 cloves Garlic, minced:

• Calories: 13 calories
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits: Contains antioxidants that may help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

1 Shallot, finely chopped:

• Calories: 17 calories
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, potentially offering cardiovascular benefits.

2 stalks Lemongrass, sliced:

• Calories: 12 calories
• Carbohydrates: 2.4g

benefits: Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin.

2 cups Mixed Vegetables (such as Carrots, Eggplant, Pumpkin, Cabbage), chopped:

• Nutritional values can vary widely based on the specific vegetables used, but generally:
• Calories: Approximately 50-100 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-20g
• Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
• Vitamins and minerals vary greatly depending on the vegetables.

benefits: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.

1 cup Mushrooms, sliced:

• Calories: Approximately 15 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g
• Protein: Approximately 2g

benefits: Excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, promoting immune function and energy metabolism.

1 cup Snake Beans, cut into 2-inch pieces:

• Calories: Approximately 30 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g
• Fiber: Approximately 3g
• Protein: Approximately 2g

benefits: High in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and reducing inflammation.

2 cups Coconut Milk:

• Calories: Approximately 960 calories
• Fat: Approximately 100g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
• Protein: Approximately 8g

benefits: Provides healthy fats and may have antimicrobial properties, supporting heart health and boosting metabolism.

3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth:

• Nutritional values depend on the specific brand or homemade recipe used. Typically low in calories, with some protein content.

benefits: Hydrating and may contain essential nutrients like protein and electrolytes, supporting overall health.

2 tablespoons Fish Sauce:

• Calories: Approximately 20 calories
• Sodium: Approximately 4000mg

benefits: Rich in umami flavor and provides essential amino acids, enhancing the taste of dishes.

1 tablespoon Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar):

• Calories: Approximately 45 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

benefits: Contains minerals like potassium and iron, providing a natural sweetener with some nutritional value.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Enhance flavor and may help with electrolyte balance and digestion in moderation.

Fresh Herbs (such as Cilantro, Basil, and Green Onions) for Garnish:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, adding freshness and flavor while offering potential health benefits.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific cooking methods.