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**Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha): A Creamy, Flavorful Delight**
Traditionally made with chicken, **Tom Kha** is easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences. You can swap in tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version, and the soup can be made spicier or milder depending on your taste. The result is a bowl of complex flavors and textures that will transport your senses straight to Thailand.
### Why You’ll Love Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha)
2. **Comforting Yet Light**: The coconut milk base gives the soup a creamy texture, but it’s still light and refreshing, making it perfect for any time of the year.
3. **Easy to Make**: Despite its rich flavors, Tom Kha is surprisingly simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull off this delicious dish, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
5. **Healthy Ingredients**: Coconut milk provides healthy fats, while the fresh herbs like lemongrass and cilantro add antioxidants and a burst of freshness to each bite.
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence when you’re craving something special.
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil for extra flavor)
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed with the back of a knife
– 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if you can’t find galangal)
– 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional but recommended)
– 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full-fat or light)
– 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
– 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or palm sugar)
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
– 1/2 cup tofu or chicken (cubed, optional)
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (or red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (to taste)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Optional: Sriracha or chili paste for extra heat
– Optional: Jasmine rice for serving