Discover how to make Tom Kha Gai, a traditional Thai soup featuring a rich coconut milk base, tender chicken, aromatic galangal, fresh lemongrass, and flavorful mushrooms. This recipe delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and savory notes, bringing the authentic taste of Thailand to your table. Ideal for anyone craving a comforting and exotic dish.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups coconut milk

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

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

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

- 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces

- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)

- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)

- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (or to taste)

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Add Aromatics: Add the lemongrass, galangal slices, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the pot. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Mushrooms and Chilies: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and Thai bird chilies. Continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked.

Season the Soup: Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to balance the sweet, sour, and savory flavors to your taste.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Tom Kha Gai, a delicious and aromatic Thai coconut soup!

Nutritional values

For the Thai Soup

Coconut Milk (2 cups)

 - Calories: ~450

 - Carbohydrates: ~10g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~45g

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich, creamy texture.

 - Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support metabolism.

Chicken Broth (2 cups)

 - Calories: ~15

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and a small amount of protein.

 - Contains minerals and amino acids that support overall health.

Chicken Breast (1 lb, thinly sliced)

 - Calories: ~165

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: ~31g

 - Fat: ~3.6g

Benefits:

 - High in lean protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

 - Low in fat compared to other cuts of chicken.

Lemongrass (1 stalk)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a distinctive citrus flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Galangal (3-4 slices)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a unique, spicy flavor.

 - Contains compounds that may support digestive health.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (4-5 leaves)

 - Calories: ~2

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.5g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.

 - Contains essential oils that may aid digestion.

Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced)

 - Calories: ~15

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may support immune health.

Thai Bird Chilies (2-3, smashed)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolic benefits.

Fish Sauce (2-3 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~20

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds salty, umami flavor.

 - Provides a small amount of protein and minerals.

Lime Juice (1-2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~4

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor.

 - Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function.

Sugar (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: ~16

 - Carbohydrates: ~4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Balances the flavors of the soup.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves (for garnish)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin K.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and aromatic Thai soup, rich in nutrients and health benefits. Enjoy preparing and savoring your dish!