Tom Yum Soup

An authentic Thai hot and sour soup. Tom yum soup is a kind of Thai soup that is known for its broth which is both savory, spicy, and sour. In translation from its Thai name, tom yum is also sometimes spelled tom yam and dom yam. All three of these spellings, however, refer to the same dish. Tom yum is very popular in Thailand and in Thai restaurants abroad. In fact, it is arguably one of the most popular Thai dishes worldwide.

Ingredients

2 Tbs Corn Oil
3 Cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
2 Onions

4-5 Green Chilies
1 Cup Boneless Chicken cut in strips
8 Cups Homemade Chicken Stock/Water
½ Cup Brown Crimini Mushrooms (Sliced)
3 Large Ripe Tomatoes

Salt and Pepper to Taste
2 Tbsp Tamarind Juice

1 Cup Thick Coconut Milk
2 Stalks Lemon Grass (Crushed along the Roots)
2-3 Lime Leaves

Method

1. Finely chop 1 onion while slice the other onion into chunks.
2. Slit the green chillies, Shred the chicken in thin strips and Chop the tomatoes in small squares.
3. Heat corn oil in a large pot.
   Add garlic, the finely chopped onions and saute till translucent.
4. Add the chillies, then chicken and saute lightly.
   Pour in the chicken stock/water and let it come to a boil.
5. Add the remaining ingredients (sliced onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, lime leaves, thick coconut milk, tamarind juice, lemon grass)
6. Mix the ingredients all together and let it simmer on medium to low heat for ½ hour to 45 mins, till the flavors come together.
7. The lemon grass is to be added completely in its stalk form while cooking, then removed when serving. Do not eat the lemon grass or the lime leaves.
   
   Note: You can also use prawns instead of chicken.