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.
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