Basic (5-Minute) Thai Coconut Broth

Maybe this seems like a weird sort of post. I mean, who wants just a Thai broth. Um, you do. Because it's amazing. Honestly, it's loaded with plenty of healthy stuff (coconut, tumeric, ginger) and could be delicious on its own. But it's the perfect canvas for whatever you want to throw in it. We had it with some shredded chicken thrown in, but it'd also be the perfect background for any leftover veggies you've got hanging around or some rice (or regular) noodles. Heck, my kids ate it with corn bread dipped in (fusion, people, fusion).

What I like about this recipe the most is that it's quite simple. There are plenty of delicious Thai soups/broths out there. On this site I've got one that I adore, but this simple little broth is nice because it takes 5 minutes to throw together. There are no lime leaves or coriander root or lemongrass stalks (though those things are amazing). There are just basic ingredients that can (each and every one) be found in the Asian aisle at Walmart. It's Thai broth for the common man. Or the time-pressed woman. Or the person with a bunch of random veggies and noodles sitting in her fridge who wants to make them awesome. Here you go.

Basic 5-Minute Thai Coconut Broth
serves 4
adapted from What a Girl Eats
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cost: $4.00
coconut milk: 3.00, ginger: .15, fish sauce: .20, lime juice: .50, seasonings: .15

2 cans coconut milk
2 C water (or chicken broth)
2 T minced ginger (or 2 t ground ginger)
4 T fish sauce (I usually do more like 3-3 1/2T)
4 Tbsp lime juice (fresh is best, but any will do)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp tumeric
salt if desired

Combine everything together and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Yup, that's it. I should say that sometimes I want more salt or another tablespoon of lime juice. Sometimes I like to use part chicken broth instead of all water. It's all delicious.

Sip it on a cold day or add veggies and/or chicken and/or rice noodles for a comforting Asian soup.

PRINTABLE RECIPE