The Tom Yum soup originated from Thailand; the term ‘Tom’ means boil, and ‘yum’ means mixed. Back in the day, the soup was prepared with freshwater shrimp, which were abundant in the streams of Thailand. As times evolved, the soup began incorporating other ingredients such as chilli peppers, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. The royal chefs of the Ayutthaya Kingdom came up with the Tom Yum soup, and the Kingdom was founded in the mid-14th century. The Ayutthaya Kingdom was famous for its grand cuisine, and it is believed that the chefs who came up with Tom Yum soup were the king’s chefs; it was a way for the chefs to display the savours of their local ingredients. The Tom Yum soup is a staple in Thai Cuisine and is globally recognised. In this blog are the variations, recipe and health benefits of the Tom Yum Soup.
Variations of the Tom Yum soup
- The Tom Yum soup has many different versions, and some versions are made from seafood like shrimp, squid and fish. The other versions of the Tom Yum soup are made from chicken or mushrooms. The soup can be served creamy, garnished with lemon juice and herbs, or sometimes it is served clear.
- The most famous variation of the Tom Yum soup is the Tom Yum Goong, which is known for its spicy and sour flavours. The soup is prepared with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli peppers, fish sauce and lime juice.
- Another variation is the Tom Kha Gai, which is prepared using chicken, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilli peppers. The Tom Kha Gai soup is milder and has a creamier and sweeter flavour than the Tom Yum Goong.
Recipe for Tom Yum Goong soup
- Use a big pot to heat your coconut oil over medium heat . Add shallots and garlic, cook until everything is soft. Add red curry paste and mix everything together until you can smell the fragrance.
- Add the chicken stock, milk, lemongrass, lime leaves and smashed leaves. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes so that the flavours mix.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the mixture and let it simmer until they are tender. Add the raw shrimp and cook them until they are pink and cooked.
- Remove the large pot from the heat and add sugar for sweetness, lime juice for tang, seasoning, and fish sauce for tang.
- Serve the soup in bowls; you can have the soup with rice or plain.
Health benefits
- The chilli has vitamin A, and lime has Vitamin C; these vitamins have the ability to strengthen the immune system against colds.
- The chilli and galangal subdue congestion and lessen swelling. They also make digestion easier.
- The shrimp has protein, which keeps you feeling full for a long time, and the chillies are good for weight management and good metabolism.
- The milk has healthy fats and electrolytes, which are perfect for winter. The food has potassium, vitamin B6 and minerals.
Conclusion
The Tom Yum soup is an appetizing soup with various health benefits. Preparing the soup at home is not that difficult, but getting the soup from a restaurant is not that difficult; you can just visit Thai It. We prepare and serve the best Thai cuisine and honour our traditional methods. Every dish that we prepare holds importance in a traditional and emotional sense. Mr. Peter Azzi and his team of experienced chefs always ensure that the dishes are prepared with love and passion every time.
FAQS
- What are the main ingredients of making the Tom Yum Soup?
A: Galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, Thai chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, mushrooms and tomatoes. For protein, you can either use shrimp, chicken or fish.
2. What are the major differences between Tom Yum Goong and Tom Kha Gai?
A: The difference is that the Tom Kha Gai is creamy, and it is a coconut milk-based soup and the Tom Yum Goong is clearer and less creamy.
3. Is Tom Yum soup healthy? A: Yes, Tom Yum soup is very healthy because the ingredients have immune-boosting properties, and the dish is a low-calorie dish.
