tom yum goong (soup)

Tom Yum Soup is one of the most common Thai dishes we know. Its popularity attributes to its fresh taste and innumerable health benefits. Many use the Tom Yum Soup Paste for quick and easy cooking , which is not a bad option. However, it always gives me pleasure making it the traditional way!

Dedicated to my friend Hemalatha

Ingredients:4 cups of water (or shrimp stalk)

prawns (peeled and de-veined)

stalk of lemon grass (2)

a few kaffir lime leaves

a handful of straw (or shiitake) mushrooms

a handful of cherry tomatoes

1 tsp fish sauce

1 tsp lime juice

a hand full of cilantro
3 red chillies 
2 inch slice of fresh galangal root
1/4 cup coconut milk (optional)
1/4 tsp sugar
 salt

Method:
Bring to boil 4 cups of water(or shrimp stalk)  in a soup pot .Gently bruise the lemon grass to release the oils and add them into the pot together with the kaffir lime leaves and galangal root. Now add the fish sauce, lime juice and straw mushrooms. Let simmer for 2 mins. Throw in the cherry tomatoes. Add the prawns and the coconut milk(optional). Mix in salt and sugar to balance the flavours. Remove from heat within a minute to  avoid overcooking  the prawns. Garnish with red chillies and cilantro. Serve hot!

Nutrition facts:
This soup helps relieving sinus problems and  boosts your immune system to fight cold and flu!