If you're a fan of Thai cuisine or simply love soups, you may have come across Tom Kha Soup. This popular dish originated from Thailand and is known for its creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. A serving of 1/3 can (143 g) of Tom Kha Soup contains 100 calories.
Aside from its unique taste, Tom Kha Soup also offers various health benefits. It's made with a combination of herbs and spices that are known to boost immunity, aid in digestion, and reduce inflammation. To find out more about this delicious soup, let's take a closer look at its ingredients and nutritional value.
In this article, we'll also share a simple recipe for making Tom Kha Soup at home and suggest some variations to suit your taste. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat-lover, you'll surely find a version that you'll enjoy.
What is Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup is a type of soup that originated from Thailand. It is usually made with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. You can also add other ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it heartier and more filling. The soup is known for its creamy and tangy taste, thanks to the coconut milk and lime juice used in the recipe. The galangal and lemongrass add a subtle zest, while the chili peppers give it a slight kick of spice. Overall, Tom Kha Soup is a flavorful and nutritious soup that's perfect for a cold day or when you're craving something spicy and creamy.
What are the Ingredients of Tom Kha Soup?
The main ingredients of Tom Kha Soup include:
- coconut milk
- galangal
- lemongrass
- kaffir lime leaves
- chili peppers
Additional ingredients that can be added to the soup include chicken, shrimp, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables like carrots and baby corn.
What are the Nutritional Facts of Tom Kha Soup?
A serving of 1/3 can (143 g) of Tom Kha Soup contains:
- 100 calories
- 6 g of fat
- 8 g of carbohydrates
- 3 g of protein
- 2 g of fiber
- 3 g of sugar
- 500 mg of sodium
Tom Kha Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It's also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a suitable meal option for those with dietary restrictions.
How Many Calories are in a Serving of Tom Kha Soup?
A serving of 1/3 can (143 g) of Tom Kha Soup contains 100 calories. This makes it a low-calorie meal option that's perfect for those who want to lose weight or maintain their weight. However, keep in mind that the calorie content may vary depending on the additional ingredients you add to the soup. If you add chicken or shrimp, for example, the calorie content will increase. Be mindful of your portion size and ingredient choices to ensure that you're not consuming too many calories in one meal.
What are the Health Benefits of Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup is not only delicious but also offers various health benefits. The following are some of the benefits of consuming this soup:
- Boosts immunity: The combination of herbs and spices used in Tom Kha Soup, like galangal and lemongrass, are known to have immune-boosting properties.
- Aids digestion: The coconut milk used in the soup contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and absorbed by the body.
- Reduces inflammation: Chili peppers used in the soup contain capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Tom Kha Soup is also low in
calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.
How to Make Tom Kha Soup?
Making Tom Kha Soup at home is easier than you think. Here's a simple recipe:
- In a pot, bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add sliced galangal, lemongrass stalks, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add thinly sliced chicken or shrimp, mushrooms, and sliced chili peppers. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
- Stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Season with fish sauce or salt and sugar, to taste.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken or shrimp and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, baby corn, or bok choy.
How to Serve Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup is usually served hot and is perfect as a main meal or appetizer. Here are some ideas on how to serve the soup:
- As a standalone soup: Tom Kha Soup can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
- With rice: You can serve the soup with steamed rice to make it more filling.
- With noodles: You can add rice noodles to the soup to make it more substantial.
- With bread: Tom Kha Soup also goes well with crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
No matter how you serve it, Tom Kha Soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on a cold day.
What are the Variations of Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian or vegan Tom Kha Soup: Simply omit the chicken or shrimp and use vegetable broth instead.
- Tom Kha Gai: This variation uses chicken as the main protein source.
- Tom Kha Talay: This version of the soup uses seafood like shrimp, squid, or mussels.
- Tom Kha Hed: This vegetarian version of the soup uses mushrooms as the main ingredient.
Feel free to experiment and come up with your own version of Tom Kha Soup using your favorite ingredients.
Tom Kha Soup vs. Other Soups
Compared to other soups, Tom Kha Soup stands out for its unique taste and nutritional value. Here's how it compares to other popular soups:
- Tom Kha Soup vs. Tom Yum Soup: Both soups are popular Thai soups, but Tom Yum Soup tends to be more sour and spicy, while Tom Kha Soup is more creamy and tangy.
- Tom Kha Soup vs. Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that's known for its heartiness. However, compared to Tom Kha Soup, it tends to be higher in calories and fat.
- Tom Kha Soup vs. Pho: Pho is a Vietnamese soup that's made with rice noodles, herbs, and meat like beef or chicken. While Pho and Tom Kha Soup may have some similarities in terms of ingredients, they have different flavor profiles.
Overall, Tom Kha Soup offers a unique taste and numerous health benefits that make it an excellent addition to any meal plan.
Where to Buy Tom Kha Soup?
If you don't have the time or ingredients to make Tom Kha Soup at home, you can always buy it from your local grocery store or restaurant. Look for it in the Asian food aisle or check with your favorite Thai restaurant to see if they offer it on their menu. Some popular brands that sell Tom Kha Soup are Thai Kitchen and Aroy-D. Be sure to check the ingredient list and nutritional facts before purchasing to make sure that it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy a bowl of Tom Kha Soup today and discover why it's a beloved soup around the world!
5 FAQ about Tom Kha Soup
1. What is Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup is a Thai soup that features coconut milk and a variety of herbs and spices. It typically contains ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, and chicken or shrimp.
2. How many calories are in 1/3 can of Tom Kha Soup?
One-third of a can of Tom Kha Soup (143 grams) contains 100 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the brand of soup and any additional ingredients that are added to it.
3. What are the health benefits of Tom Kha Soup?
Tom Kha Soup contains a variety of herbs and spices that have been shown to have health benefits. For example, lemongrass is thought to have antibacterial properties, while galangal has anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the soup contains coconut milk, which is a good source of healthy fats.
4. Is Tom Kha Soup vegan-friendly?
Tom Kha Soup is often made with chicken or shrimp, so it is not vegan-friendly. However, it is possible to make a vegan version of the soup by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat or seafood.
5. How can I customize the flavor of Tom Kha Soup?
There are many ways to customize the flavor of Tom Kha Soup. For example, you can add additional spices such as ginger or turmeric for a stronger flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by using more or fewer chili peppers. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of protein, such as tofu or mushrooms, to tailor the soup to your preferences.