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Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Ali Segersten (author)
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This authentic Thai coconut chicken soup uses a whole chicken to make a large pot of soup. It is easier to make big batches; even if you are cooking for only two to three people, it can be eaten throughout the week or stored in your freezer for later use. This soup does take some time, so try making it on the weekend and you'll have a nourishing lunch to take to school or work for a few days! Serve soup with cooked white rice if desired.

Ingredients

Broth

1 whole chicken (about 5 pounds)
1 large onions chopped
1 heads garlic cut in half
3 inches fresh ginger finely chopped
3 celery stalks chopped
2 lemongrass stalks chopped
4 thai chili peppers chopped
½ bunches cilantro
1 tablespoons sea salt
5 kaffir lime leaves
12 cups water

Soup

1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 large shallots diced (about 1 cup)
4 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
8 ounces white button mushrooms quartered
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms sliced
1 large red bell peppers sliced
3 kaffir lime leaves
2 cans coconut milk
2 tablespoons fish sauce
4 tablespoons lime juice
1 bunches bok choy chopped
½ bunches cilantro chopped

Garnish

2 limes cut into wedges
crushed red pepper flakes
5.0 4 reviews

She…

Jun 4, 2023

Starting this week off with this amazing Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai). I found some frozen galangal & fresh lemongrass for the broth at the local Asian market & had some organic dried kaffir lime leaves from Amazon. I made the broth last night with a stew hen. Today I gave thanks for all she has provided, thinking perhaps I had some of her eggs (get both from same farm), this nutrient-packed nourishing broth & now back in the Instant Pot for bone broth. Her meat was too tough & dry to consume, so after defatting the broth (paper towels make this so easy-hens have a lot of fat), I poached some breasts in the broth before proceeding to the soup.

And…

Apr 5, 2023

This is so delicious! Flavors are balanced and had just the right amount of spice for me. (also-I made this w/chicken bone broth from my freezer that I had made previously, so it took less time tonight). Thank you for another wonderful recipe!!

Rob…

Mar 4, 2022

Loved this soup. It does not mention adding the chicken though. I chopped the chicken and added it as well.

Tin…

Feb 25, 2022

The awesome aroma’s just making this yummy soup reminded me of living in Singapore where the herbs and spices are plentiful and amazing. Thanks for such a great recipe. The whole family loves it!