Monday, March 18

Thai Carrot Lemongrass Soup

Thai Carrot Lemongrass Soup
Image by 41330 from Pixabay

The deliciously healthy treat is a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly evening. The simplicity of the recipe will have you wondering why you haven’t been making this soup for years now. Do not be scared off by the name, this dish may sound as if you need culinary arts training, but it is a quite simple recipe to follow. The greatest bonus is… your guests (or family) will believe that you enrolled in a class and spent hours slaving away.

Brighten up a rainy day or a cold winter night with a taste bud pleasuring dish that will warm your body while it increases your health.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter (salted)
  • 6 cups of peeled carrots (cut them chunky)
  • 4 stalks of lemongrass (cut in two)
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup sliced shallots
  • 2 tablespoons ginger (fresh and grated)
  • 8 cups of chicken stock
  • Pepper and salt
  • 3 tablespoons of cilantro (chopped)

 

Directions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot overheat (medium).
  2. Once the butter has melted, add everything minus the stock and carrots.
  3. After cooking for 10 minutes, add the chunks of carrots along with the stock.
  4. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender enough to be penetrated by a fork.
  5. Remove from heat.
  6. Remove stalks.
  7. Puree until creamy and smooth.
  8. Use shallots and cilantro for garnish.

 

Additional options

Add your favorite bread on the side or a crisp and green salad to complete the meal. Salads with spinach or cabbage complement the lemongrass very well. Or you can choose the traditional soup companion of crackers. Whole wheat or multigrain will not take away from the soup while adding a textural kick.

Chicken can be added post puree for a contrast in texture and enhancement of favor. Grilled or oven-roasted chicken works best with this dish. This dish is complemented well with hot tea.

Instead of chicken stock, vegetable stock can be used for those with meat-free dietary needs or desires. Also, if you are not a fan of cilantro, basil can be used in its place.

Jasmine rice can be used pre or post puree. Most tend to use the rice post puree to add texture and a balancing taste to the explosion of flavors that will dance with your taste buds.

Additional seasoning can be added to taste once you have tried the dish. This is a meal that is easily customizable for the individual. If you enjoy a bit of spice in your culinary endeavors, let this soup be your playground. Add a spice here and there in order to derive the best results for your pallet.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1; 654 grams

Recipe serves: 4

Per serving: 318.1 calories; 41 calories from fat; 4.6 grams total fat; 1.1 grams saturated fat; 58.1 grams cholesterol; 1308.5 grams of sodium; 38.3 grams of total carbohydrates; 3.5 grams of dietary fiber; 6.0 grams sugar.

Often proclaimed as a flu aid, Thai carrot lemongrass soup does boast some great health benefits. It is high in calcium as well as vitamins A and C. With the additional benefits that are provided from garlic and ginger, this dish allows you to eat healthy without letting go of taste and flair.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *