The world’s biggest water fight is going on right now, amid the hottest month of the year. Songkran, a celebration of the Thai New Year, has captured my imagination and jealousy for a number of years now. Temperatures can reach well into the 90’s, if not topple the scale and breach 100 degrees, which makes the waterworks both symbolic and necessary to keep one’s cool. Wash away the previous year’s misfortunes, transgressions, and any other ill will to start fresh and clean once more. Taking place April 13 – 15, anyone who’s not already sopping wet on the streets has missed the boat on this experience, but someday, it could be the trip of a lifetime. Just be sure to pack a bathing suit and plenty of towels.
Hot soup may not be the most appropriate dish for an actual Thai celebration, but for better or for worse, our April climate is considerably more mild. The time seemed ripe to dig this gem out from the recipe archive, especially since it had sat there for years without ever being made. Flipping through the recipe binder at Health in a Hurry one day, trying to straighten up the pages with Sue close at hand, I stumbled across this unassuming paper, filled with bright, exotic flavors that I had never seen grace our little soup bar. Without missing a beat, Sue scanned the paper and gave me her blessing to share it with the world, rather than let such a stunning formula go to waste. It’s such a shame that it took me well over another year to finally do so.
If you had seen that original recipe, though, you might understand. Only if you knew Sue could you translate such scripture. After a few tweaks for personal taste and volume, I had my own edible Thai festival for dinner.
Thai Vegetable Soup
Bright, exotic seasonings bolster a colorful palate of fresh vegetables in this broth-based celebration of Thai flavors. Feel free to mix up the produce based on availability and personal preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Peanut or Sesame Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Finely Minced Jalapeno
- 1 Tablespoon Finely Minced Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Finely Minced Ginger
- 1/2 Cup Red Bell Pepper, Sliced into 1-Inch Batons
- 1/4 Cup Jicama, Peeled and Sliced into 1-Inch Batons
- 1/4 Cup Carrot, Peeled and Sliced into 1-Inch Batons
- 1/2 Cup Sliced Button Mushrooms
- 1 14-Ounce Cans Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Lemongrass, Finely Chopped and Bruised
- 3 – 4 Makrut Lime Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 3 – 4 Cups Vegetable Stock
- 1/2 Cup Snow Peas
- 1/2 Cup String Beans, Cut into 1-Inch Pieces
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Peas
- 1/2 Cup Asparagus, Cut into 1-Inch Pieces
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper, to Taste
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint, Roughly Torn or Chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat before adding in the jalapeno, ginger, and garlic. Saute for 4 – 5 minutes, until highly aromatic. Add in the sliced pepper, jicama, carrot, and mushrooms, and cook for another 4 – 5 minutes until very lightly browned. Pour in the can of tomatoes, liquid and all, and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze the delicious brown bits that may be sticking.
- Bundle up the bashed lemongrass and makrut lime leaves, if using, in a tea bag. Drop it into the stock pot along with the lime juice and 3 cups of the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 – 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Toss in the snow peas, string beans, frozen peas (no need to thaw) and asparagus, stirring to incorporate. Cook for just 2 minutes, until the newest vegetable additions are bright green.
- Give the soup a taste, and add the final cup of stock if desired, and salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the tea bag full of aromatics. Top off with fresh mint and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 179Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2297mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 8gSugar: 12gProtein: 7g