Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 4 slices galangal
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 4 leaves kaffir lime leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 14 oz coconut milk
• 1.25 lb chicken breast
• 8 oz mushrooms
• 2 whole red chilies
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup Thai basil
• 2 stalks green onions

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and set aside. Slice the mushrooms, and lightly bruise the lemongrass stalks by smashing them with the side of a knife to release their oils.

2. 2

   Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Thai red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

3. 3

   Add the galangal slices, bruised lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot, stirring for 30 seconds to infuse the aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. 4

   Add the cubed chicken and sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (no pink inside) and the mushrooms are tender.

5. 5

   Stir in the coconut milk slowly, then add the fish sauce and palm sugar. Simmer gently for 2 minutes without boiling to preserve the creamy texture, stirring occasionally to combine.

6. 6

   Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Add the whole red chilies for heat (leave whole or slice if you prefer more heat distribution), then taste and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime as needed.

7. 7

   Strain out the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and whole chilies if desired (or leave them in for appearance). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh Thai basil and sliced green onions.

Tools you’ll need

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Fine-mesh strainer

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