Discover the vibrant flavors of Tom Som, a traditional tangy soup featuring your choice of chicken or pork. Infused with the zest of lime and the kick of chilies, this refreshing soup is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Follow our easy recipe to create this delightful dish that's sure to impress with its unique taste and aroma. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, Tom Som offers a balance of spicy and sour that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

- 300g chicken or pork (cut into bite-sized pieces)

- 6 cups water or chicken/pork broth

- 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed and cut into pieces)

- 4-5 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)

- 3-4 Thai bird chilies (smashed)

- 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)

- 2 tomatoes (cut into wedges)

- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon lime juice (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)

- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

- Optional: Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for added flavor

Instructions:

- In a large pot, bring the water or broth to a boil.

- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bird chilies, and galangal to the pot.

- Add the chicken or pork pieces and cook until they are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

- Add the tomatoes and mushrooms, cooking until they are tender.

- Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.

- If using, add a spoonful of Thai chili paste for extra depth of flavor.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

- Serve hot and enjoy this tangy, refreshing soup that's sure to become a favorite!

Nutritional Value:

Chicken or Pork (300g):

   - Calories: 165 kcal

   - Protein: 31g

   - Fat: 3.6g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

   - Chicken: High in lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins (B6, niacin), phosphorus, and selenium.

   - Pork: Rich in protein and provides important nutrients such as B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and iron.

Water or Chicken/Pork Broth (6 cups):

   - Generally negligible calories if it's a clear broth.

  Benefits:

   - Provides hydration and can help with digestion. Homemade broth can also offer additional nutrients if made from scratch with bones.

Lemongrass (2 stalks):

   - Calories: 99 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0.5g

   - Carbohydrates: 24g

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may help with digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (4-5 leaves):

   - Calories: 40 kcal

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 0.6g

   - Carbohydrates: 8g

Benefits:

   - Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immune health and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Thai Bird Chilies (3-4 chilies):

   - Calories: 40 kcal

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 0.4g

   - Carbohydrates: 9g

Benefits:

   - Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and has been shown to have pain-relief and anti-inflammatory properties.

Galangal (3-4 slices):

   - Calories: 80 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Carbohydrates: 18g

Benefits:

   - Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and aids in digestion.

Tomatoes (2 tomatoes):

   - Calories: 18 kcal

   - Protein: 0.9g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases and support overall health.

Mushrooms (1 cup):

   - Calories: 22 kcal

   - Protein: 3g

   - Fat: 0.3g

   - Carbohydrates: 3g

Benefits:

   - Provide B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like selenium. They support immune function and overall health.

Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons):

   - Calories: 10 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor without many calories. It is a source of umami and can contribute to the dish's overall nutrient profile.

Lime Juice (1 tablespoon):

   - Calories: 4 kcal

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. It also aids in digestion and adds a refreshing flavor.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

   - Calories: 49 kcal

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 13g

Benefits:

   - Used in small amounts to balance flavors. Provides quick energy but should be used sparingly.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish):

   - Calories: 23 kcal

   - Protein: 2g

   - Fat: 0.5g

   - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Provides antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties.