Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai is one of the top ten Thai dish that is popular, not only among Thai but among Foreigners as well. This delicious dish is believed to have been originated from Central part of Thailand. The main ingredient of Tom Kha is Galangal, a kind of root that looks similar to Ginger. It is a spicy & sour soup made of Coconut-milk, Lemon Grass, Mushroom and Chicken that boiled with Galangal. In the process, when the Galangal is boiled with all ingredients, it brings a strong flavor to the Soup and when Chilies are fried and mix with the Soup, it adds a smoky flavor. Finally a little lime juice while serving makes this Soup a perfect blend of Spicy, Sour & Sweet.

Health Benefits:

Galangal: Galangal is considered to be an herb belongs to the rhizome family. It looks like a Ginger and an integral part Thai Cuisine. It helps to alleviate abdominal discomfort caused due to inflammation. It also helps to improve the blood circulation in the body. It is a rich source of iron, sodium, vitamins A and C. Because of all these healing qualities, it has been extensively used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Traditional Medicine.

Lemon Grass: Lemon Grass is beneficial to our health in many ways. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps to prevent our body from Cold, Cough & Fever.   It lowers the cholesterol level and helps to cope with excessive fats in body. It also helps to cleanse the body by eliminating toxic substances.

Coconut Milk: Coconut Milk is made from the meat of Coconut. It helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Scientists and Nutrition experts have found that Coconut Milk contains beneficial substances that allow the stomach to digest food properly. Since Coconut milk is anti- bacterial, it kills off bad bacteria in the stomach itself. It lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL), while promoting good cholesterol. It also helps to maintain the skin and hair.

 

 Ingredients:

·         Chicken Breast – 1 pcs

·         Straw / Button Mushroom  – 20 grams

·         Tomatoes Local – 4 pcs (optional)

·         Coconut Milk – 1 Cup

·         Lemon Grass (Chopped) – 1 Stalk

·         Red Onion (Chopped) – 1 Medium

·         Water or Chicken Stock – 1 Cup

·         Kaffir Lime Leaves (Torn)– 6

·         Galangal Fresh -  6 (Slice)

·         Dry Chilies – 2 Pcs

·         Green Chili – 1 Pcs

·         Fish Sauce – 2 tsp

·         Sugar – ½ tsp

·         Lime juice – 1 tsp

·         Cilantro (Chopped) – 1 Bunch

Preparation Method:

Ø  Cut Chicken in thin strips; Slice Galangal into 6 pcs.

Ø  Take a heavy bottom Pan and add Coconut Milk, Water, Lemon Grass, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Green Chili; bring it to boil.

Ø  Then add Chicken Pieces and cook for 5-7 mins in medium flame.

Ø  Finally add Mushroom, Fish Sauce, Sugar, Tomato pcs & cook till the chicken gets tender.

Ø  Turn off the heat and add Lime juice.

Ø  Take a Pan and heat ½ tsp of Oil; Fry the Red Chili Whole and add in the Soup.

Ø  Now the “Tom Kha Gai” is ready. Garnish with Cilantro Leaves.

Tom Kha Gai is well served with Steamed Rice.