Thai Recipe of the Month: Tom Yum Soup

Even if you are lucky enough to own your own Phuket beach bungalow, at certain times of the year flu, the blues and general ill-feeling can strike. Although living in one of the most beautiful places on earth is bound to help you feel better, sometimes something a little more practical is needed! Thai Tom Yum Soup is the Asian equivalent of chicken broth; super healthy, immune boosting and combined with the exquisite surroundings of a Phuket luxury villa, you will be feeling better in no time!

Ingredients:

3-4 cups chicken stock; 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp. fish sauce; 3 kaffir lime leaves, 12-14 large prawns; 1-2 small red chilies, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; handful fresh shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced; 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 can coconut milk, to taste; 1/3 cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped.

Optional:  1 tsp. brown sugar; and a squeeze of lime juice; handful of cherry tomatoes

Method:

1. Heat stock in large pan. Add  lemongrass and boil 5 to 6 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Reduce to simmer, then add garlic, chili, lime leaves, and mushrooms to broth. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes (optional). Simmer 5-6 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked.
4. Turn the heat to low and add coconut milk plus fish sauce. Season to taste adding more chili / fish sauce as desired. Add brown sugar to sweeten taste; if too salty, add a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Serve and sprinkle with fresh coriander
6. Devour and enjoy!