Christmas Island-inspired Zeama

Ingredients

In this Christmas Island adaptation of Zeama, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of the Indian Ocean. The addition of lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk gives the dish a tropical twist, infusing it with the unique taste of Christmas Island cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Zeama, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 liters (6 cups) chicken broth 1.5 liters (6 cups) chicken broth
• 400 ml (1 can) coconut milk 400 ml (1 can) coconut milk
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 3 cm (1 inch) ginger, sliced 3 cm (1 inch) ginger, sliced
• 4 kaffir lime leaves 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) prawns, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) snow peas 100g (3.5 oz) snow peas
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken slices to the broth and cook until they are no longer pink in the center.
4. 4.
   Stir in the coconut milk, prawns, carrot, bell pepper, and snow peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the prawns are cooked through.
5. 5.
   Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
6. 6.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the soup.
7. 7.
   Serve the Christmas Island-inspired Zeama hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their flavor.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Gently tear the leaves before adding them to the soup to enhance their aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
• Adjust the amount of lime juice according to your preference for tanginess.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as bok choy or mushrooms.
• Serve the Zeama with steamed rice or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
• Make a larger batch of the broth and freeze it for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Christmas Island-inspired Zeama as a comforting and flavorful soup on its own or as a starter for a tropical-themed meal. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to complete the experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Zeama with a sprinkle of chili flakes and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant ingredients to shine through the clear broth.