RECIPE — What On Earth Is This Sorry Excuse For A Collection Of Soups And Stews?

First we eat, then we do everything else. — M.F.K. Fisher

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Oh, look at this sorry display of Thai soup recipes. I can’t believe anyone would even consider attempting to make these without a proper guide. But since you’re clearly in need of some guidance, I’ll walk you through creating a decent Thai soup.

Let’s start with a classic Thai Coconut Soup. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 stalk of lemon grass, smashed and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 3 fresh galangal roots, sliced
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of green onion
• 2 red Thai chilies, sliced
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil

Here’s how you make it:

1. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the lemon grass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the chicken broth and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Bring to a boil. Add the mushrooms, and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the coconut milk and stir. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
5. Add the cilantro, green onion, and chilies.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil.

Now, as for wine pairing, I’d recommend a crisp and refreshing Riesling to balance the flavors of the soup. Look for a bottle from Dr. Loosen, a renowned producer of German Riesling. The slight sweetness and acidity of the wine will complement the richness of the coconut soup beautifully.

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Bon Appétit

If you’ve managed to create a collection of soups and stews that are worthy of being called “soups and stews,” then I’m genuinely impressed. However, if you’re still floundering in the kitchen, desperately trying to concoct a decent bowl of comfort, then you’ve come to the right place. Hit that subscribe button for a journey through the world of soul-warming soups and hearty stews. And if you’ve cracked the code to creating a bowl of liquid gold, share your wisdom in the comments. Or perhaps, in the spirit of culinary discovery, it’s best to quietly savor your creations, knowing that sometimes the best meals are the ones that warm your soul and leave you feeling utterly satisfied.