Gai Dom Kha (Thai Chicken Soup)
2 lemon grass stalks
4 garlic clove
7 coriander roots
4 cup coconut milk medium-thick
5 chilies red, minced
4 tablespoon lime juice
3 coriander sprigs chopped
3 tablespoon ginger siamese, sliced
3 peppercorns
23 shallots
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
4 tablespoon fish sauce (nam pla)
5 kaffir lime leaves shredded
The red chilies are also known as "prik khee nu". Wash lemon grass and trim root ends and
tough layers. Slice bottom 6 inches thinly and chop 1 tbsp. of this. Puree chopped lemon grass, 1
tbsp. of sliced ginger, garlic, peppercorns, coriander roots and shallots. Bring 1 cup of coconut
milk to boil and add lemon grass mixture. While stirring, reduce heat to medium and add chicken,
remaining coconut milk, ginger slices and lemon grass. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer
uncovered until chicken is tender. Season with chilies, fish sauce and lime juice. Decorate
servings with lime leaves and coriander sprigs.. To make coconut milk: Blend 2 cups fresh or frozen
grated coconut with water. Strain through double cheesecloth, pressing out all liquid. This is
thick coconut milk. To get thin milk, add warm water to residue from first straining. Let stand 5
minutes, then press as before.. For coconut cream, refrigerate first pressing and cream will rise
to top. Refrigerate or freeze. Two cups coconut makes 3 cups thick milk, of which 6 tablespoons is
cream.
Yield: 6
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