Cozy Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup Recipe: A Warm Embrace in a Bowl
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup delivers just that! Packed with aromatic flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s a delicious way to warm up your family from the inside out. Best of all, it requires minimal effort and cooking time, letting you enjoy more moments with loved ones.
Cozy Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting Thai soup that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onion slices (approximately 1 small white onion)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
- ½ red jalapeño pepper (sliced; or 1–2 Thai chiles, halved)
- 3 slices fresh galangal (or fresh ginger, each slice ¼-inch long)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (pounded, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 10 lime leaves (torn, optional)
- 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 13.5-ounce cans full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream)
- 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 ounces white mushroom caps (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the sliced white onion, chopped garlic, red jalapeño pepper, galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, red Thai curry paste, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix well.
- Cover and set to cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After cooking, remove solid ingredients with a slotted spoon, leaving the broth.
- Add coconut milk, chicken, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for another hour or LOW for 2 hours until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Stir in brown sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. Adjust spice level as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
What Makes This Soup a Must-Try?
This comforting Thai soup brings a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to your table. With ingredients like tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant herbs, it’s not only satisfying but also healthy. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. You can whip it up in just a few hours, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Crafting Your Own Tom Kha Soup
Creating this delightful soup is straightforward, and each step will fill your kitchen with inviting scents that tantalize the taste buds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup white onion slices (approximately 1 small white onion)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
- ½ red jalapeño pepper (sliced; or 1-2 Thai chiles, halved)
- 3 slices fresh galangal (or fresh ginger, each slice ¼-inch long)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (pounded with the side of a knife, cut into 2-inch-long pieces)
- 10 lime leaves (torn, optional)
- 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth (see Notes)
- 2 13.5-ounce cans full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream, at room temperature)
- 1 pound chicken breasts (approximately 2 small chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 ounces white mushroom caps (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar, plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
- Thinly sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps to Culinary Bliss
In your slow cooker, combine the sliced white onion, chopped garlic, red jalapeño pepper, galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, red Thai curry paste, and chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together well.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours. If you can, stir occasionally to help the flavors blend beautifully.
When the cooking time is up, use a slotted spoon to remove the solid ingredients, leaving you with a fragrant broth.
Now, add the full-fat coconut milk, chunks of chicken breast, and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir the mixture again until everything is nicely combined.
Cover and cook on HIGH for another hour or LOW for 2 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Once your chicken is ready, stir in the brown sugar, fish sauce, and fresh lime juice. Adjust the flavors by adding more sugar, fish sauce, or lime juice to suit your palate.
Finally, ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This delightful soup pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy it as a warm starter or a hearty main dish.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover soup, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Handy Tips for Perfect Tom Kha Soup
- For an extra kick of heat, try adding more jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning by taste; sometimes a splash more lime juice makes all the difference!
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Try adding different vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for a heartier soup packed with nutrients.
- For a unique twist, consider incorporating seafood such as shrimp or fish instead of chicken.
FAQs
Can I use light coconut milk?
While you can use light coconut milk, the soup may not be as creamy and rich. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the broth and ingredients ahead and store them separately. When you’re ready, combine everything in the slow cooker for a quick cook time.
Is Tom Kha Soup spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. Reduce the amount of jalapeño or use milder peppers for a less spicy version.
This Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace of flavors that feels like home. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!