Thai Coconut Soup

I know I've mentioned several times how much I love soups- it doesn't matter what time of year.  But I do feel like the true comfort food/soup season got a little cheated this year.  This recipe is a huge step outside of our box. 

The case:

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe by Ourbestbites.com

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh minced ginger, or 1 ½ teaspoons ground dry ginger

2 14.5-ounce cans chicken broth

1 13.5 ounce can light coconut  milk

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 packages ramen noodes (discard seasoning packet)

optional: ¾ cup sliced mushrooms

1 ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1 cup diced or shredded cooked chicken

toppings:  additional chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and lime wedges

Instructions

Heat medium sized pot to medium-high heat on stove top.  Add olive oil, jalapeno, and ginger (if using fresh.)  Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until jalapeno and ginger are softened and fragrant.  If using ground ginger, add now and stir.  Add chicken broth, coconut milk, and salt and increase heat to bring mixture to a boil.  Reduce to simmer and add noodles (note you will discard seasoning packet that comes with noodles.)  Simmer 3-5 minutes, until noodles are softened.  If using mushrooms, add them in the final 2-3 minutes of cooking the noodles.  Add chicken and simmer for about 30 seconds to heat through.  Remove pot from heat and stir in lime juice, chicken, and cilantro.   Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with additional chopped cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges if desired.  Serve immediately.  Serves 4-6.

Note:  This type of noodle absorbs liquid exceptionally fast, so you should serve the soup immediately.  If you know you need to keep the soup warm for a while before serving, wait to add the noodles until a few minutes before you’re ready to serve.

The ruling:

If you like cilantro and lime, you're going to love this!  I had a feeling about this soup and I'm glad I trusted my gut!  It is delicious.  The freshness of the cilantro and lime make this the perfect springtime soup.  But it would be great anytime of the year.