Tom Kha Pak

Tom Kha Pak is a fragrant Thai soup that beautifully combines the rich flavors of coconut milk, fresh herbs, and a variety of vegetables. This vegetarian version captures the essence of traditional Tom Kha while offering a light and nourishing dish that warms the soul.

Ingredients

• Coconut milk - 400 ml
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Lemongrass - 1 stalk, chopped
• Galangal - 1 inch, sliced (or ginger if unavailable)
• Kaffir lime leaves - 4, torn
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 150 g, sliced
• Tofu - 150 g, cubed
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 g, halved
• Carrot - 1 medium, sliced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, sliced
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish
• Chili flakes - to taste (optional)

Steps

1. In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms, cubed tofu, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or lime juice if necessary.
5. Remove the pot from heat and serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from coconut milk and herbs.
• Contains a variety of vegetables providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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