Discover the delightful flavors of Khao Piak Sen, a traditional Thai rice noodle soup. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender rice noodles in a savory broth, packed with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish offers a balanced mix of taste and nutrition, making it a must-try for fans of Thai cuisine. Learn how to prepare this delicious and nourishing dish step-by-step!

Ingredients:

- 200g rice noodles

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 carrot, thinly sliced

- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice Noodles:

  - Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

  - In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

  - Add the sliced carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Prepare the Broth:

  - Pour the vegetable broth into the pot with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine Noodles and Broth:

  - Add the cooked rice noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through and absorb the flavors.

Serve:

  - Ladle the noodle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy freshness.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Khao Piak Sen, a perfect dish for any time you crave a warm and satisfying meal!

Nutritional Value:

Rice Noodles:

 - Calories: 110

 - Carbohydrates: 24g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rice noodles are a good source of energy due to their carbohydrate content. They are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegetable Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 14g (of which 2g is saturated)

Benefits: Vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It’s also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.

Onion:

 - Calories: 45

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They can aid in digestion and support heart health.

Carrot:

 - Calories: 25

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This supports vision, skin health, and immune function.

Bell Pepper:

 - Calories: 30

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. They support immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.

Mushrooms:

 - Calories: 22

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They support immune function and can help reduce inflammation.

Vegetable Broth:

 - Calories: 10-20

 - Carbohydrates: 1-2g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Vegetable broth is low in calories and can add flavor without adding much fat or calories. It also provides some vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used.

Soy Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Soy sauce adds flavor with minimal calories. It contains small amounts of protein and can provide trace minerals. However, it is high in sodium, so moderation is key.

Fish Sauce (optional):

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor and provides some protein. It also contains trace amounts of essential nutrients but is high in sodium.

Rice Vinegar:

 - Calories: 0

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rice vinegar adds acidity and flavor without adding calories. It can aid in digestion and may have benefits for blood sugar control.

Sugar:

 - Calories: 16

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Sugar adds sweetness to balance flavors. However, it should be consumed in moderation as excessive sugar intake can contribute to various health issues.

Fresh Cilantro:

 - Calories: 1

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. It supports digestion and may help detoxify the body.

Lime Wedges:

 - Calories: 2

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Lime wedges provide vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. They also add a refreshing, tangy flavor to dishes.

These ingredients combine to make a nutrient-rich and flavorful dish that offers various health benefits.