Name: Thai Vegetable Coconut Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 2 (14 oz) cans coconut milk, unsweetened; 4 cups vegetable broth; 3 stalks lemongrass, outer leaves removed, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces; 6 slices fresh galangal or ginger, 1/4-inch thick; 8 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or 1 tablespoon lime zest); 2 red Thai chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste); 2 cups sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button); 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup snow peas, ends trimmed; 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced; 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, torn

Instructions

Prepare the aromatic base

In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Add the lemongrass, galangal or ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chili peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil). Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Strain the broth

Using a fine-mesh strainer, remove the lemongrass, galangal or ginger, lime leaves, and chili peppers from the broth. Return the strained broth to the pot and bring back to a gentle simmer.
Cook the hearty vegetables

Add the mushrooms and carrots to the simmering broth. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. These vegetables take longer to cook, so they go in first.
Add the quick-cooking vegetables

Add the red bell pepper, snow peas, and zucchini to the pot. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still retain some crispness. Be careful not to overcook.
Season the soup

Stir in the fish sauce (or soy sauce) and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. The soup should have a balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors with a rich coconut base.
Finish and serve

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and Thai basil. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining herbs. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for additional brightness.

Thai Vegetable Coconut Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information