Ingredients:
10 oz tofu, cut into cubes
5 oz mushrooms of your choice (I'm using Bunapi Mushrooms)
0.5 oz dried mushrooms
2 oz fresh galanga, peeled and cut into 4 pieces
3 kaffir lime leaves, stems removed and leaves cut into thirds
2 lemongrass stalks, pounded to release flavor
3 Thai peppers, pounded
2 medium shallots, chopped
1 tomato, peeled and cut into quarters
1 bunch cilantro, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped
Handful of Thai basil leaves (for garnish)
2 tablespoons palm sugar
1 tablespoon chili oil
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1 can (19 fl oz) coconut cream
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, galanga, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for about 3 minutes to release their aromas.
2. Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and add the dried mushrooms and Thai peppers. Cook the aromatics uncovered for 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
3. Add the tofu, fresh mushrooms, tomato, cilantro (reserving some for garnish), green onions, soy sauce, coconut milk and palm sugar. Continue cooking the soup on medium heat for another 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chili oil. Let the soup sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the soup garnished with cilantro and Thai basil leaves. Enjoy!
Origin and Flavor Profile:
Tom Kha, which translates to "galangal soup," is a traditional Thai dish where "Tom" means "boiled" and "Kha" refers to galangal, a root similar to ginger and a key ingredient in the soup. This dish is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and fragrant aroma, blending the unique flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. These ingredients give Tom Kha its distinct citrusy and slightly spicy notes. Combined with the creaminess of coconut milk, Tom Kha is a comforting and flavorful soup that perfectly embodies the balance of Thai cuisine, making it an excellent choice for a plant-based diet.