Tom Yum Boran with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 kaffir lime leaves 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 slices galangal 2 slices galangal
• 2 Thai chili peppers, sliced 2 Thai chili peppers, sliced
• 1 cup (200g) mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (200g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (15g) cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) cilantro, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced 2 green onions, sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chili peppers to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and shrimp or chicken to the pot. Cook until the protein is cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal from the pot.
6. 6.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with cilantro and green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk before cutting it to release its aromatic oils.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Tear the leaves slightly to release their fragrance.
• Galangal — If fresh galangal is not available, you can use dried galangal slices as a substitute.
• Thai chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Shrimp or chicken — Ensure that the protein is cooked through before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken or shrimp with tofu or a variety of vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai chili peppers.
• For an extra tangy flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of palm sugar or brown sugar.
• Serve the soup with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tom Yum Boran soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or enjoy it on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. The vibrant green colors will add a pop of freshness to the dish.