Thai Chicken Soup with Black Rice

So, I've learned one thing yesterday... hot weather and spicy food just don't go well together...

Granted I did have a feeling that the spicy Thai chicken soup I was making might not be the best match for a 85+ degree heat inside my house but I just couldn't help myself. I LOVE spicy Asian cuisine (Thai and Vietnamese in particular) and the recipe just sounded like something I had to make, especially now when weekly trips to my favorite local Thai restaurant are out of question due our budget. Even if it meant sacrificing a few extra napkins on wiping down your forehead, it was well worth it.

Thai Chicken Soup with Chinese Black Rice

Source: Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way by Lorna Sass

 

2 cups chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) unsweetened coconut milk

2 to 3 tsp red or yellow curry paste (I used Patak's hot curry paste found easily in supermarket)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, including liquid

1 1/2 lbs bone in, skinless chicken thighs or breast

4 scallions, thinly sliced (keep white and green parts separate)

1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper

1 1/2 cups cooked Chinese black rice (you could also use brown rice)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro or basil

2 to 3 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice

Thai fish sauce or soy sauce (optional)

lime wedges, to serve at the table

 

In a 4-quart pot, blend the chicken broth, coconut milk, and curry paste to taste. Set the pot over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, chicken, scallion whites, and bell pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes, depending upon size.

Remove the chicken. When it's cool enough to handle, shred or chop the meat and discard the bones. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the rice. Add the cilantro, scallion greens, lime juice and fish sauce to taste.

Before ladling out each portion, stir well to bring the rice up from the bottom. Serve with lime wedges.

 

Comments

[Sook]

I love soup and I love Thai. So this will be a great meal for me and my fam! Thanks!

[Simply Life]

YUM! Looks like a great soup!