A pina – Collid-a!!

Took the pooch for a walk this morning – starting to get a chill in the air so I wanted something warm for lunch! @mingtsai Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Soup was exactly what I needed!! If you can only smell and taste this soup! 30 minutes and I’m in food heaven!

Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Soup (serves 4)

1 tbsp grapeseed or canola oil

4 lemongrass stalks, pale parts only, crushed with flat side of the knife

2 medium onions, sliced

2 thai chiles, stemmed but not seeded

2 boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into strips

3 tbsp fish sauce

6 cups chicken broth, aim for low sodium

1/2 cup coconut milk

juice of 2 lemons

salt and pepper to taste

green scallions for garnish

How to make soup for you!

Heat saucepan over medium – high heat, add oil and swirl to coat

Add lemongrass, stir and sweat it uncovered for 2min

Add onion and chiles, stir for 1 min

Add the chicken and saute until opaque, about 1-2 min

Add the fish sauce and broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced slightly (15-20min)

Whisk in the coconut milk and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper

Why the heck and what the heck is sweating the vegetables? The word sweating in food is meant to describe the way aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers) are cooked before adding in other ingredients. The goal is to soften them, and release their moisture.

Did you also know – that lemongrass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It promotes good digestion, and a preparation of lemongrass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It induces perspiration, to cool the body and reduce a fever. It is well known a mild insect repellent (citronella) and the essential oil is used in perfumery.

Have you used lemongrass in a recipe? I am always looking for new way to try to incorporate lemongrass, so share away!