Lemongrass Soup

Thanks, Diana, for this lovely soup made for our Bucket group.  Yum!

Lemongrass Soup

6 cups good-quality chicken stock  
1-2 chicken breasts, sliced, OR 1-2 cups roasted chicken or turkey 
1 lemongrass stalk, OR 3 Tbsp. frozen prepared lemongrass (Whole Foods)
4 kaffir limes leaves (fresh or frozen) I can’t find these
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (I used regular mushroonms)
1 thumb-size piece galangal or ginger, grated 
1-3 fresh red chilies, minced (to taste), OR substitute 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili 
1/2 to 1 can good-quality coconut milk 
2 Tbsp. lime juice 
2+ Tbsp. fish sauce 
1 tsp. brown sugar (optional, according to taste) 
handful fresh coriander leaves 
handful fresh basil leaves 
3 spring (green) onions, sliced 
1 cup cherry tomatoes 
1 can of baby corn cobs, sliced in 1 inch pieces


Slice and mince the lower portion of the lemongrass stalk. Retain the upper stalk for the soup pot. 
. Place chicken broth in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. If you have leftover chicken or turkey bones, add those too. Bring to a boil.
. Add fresh chicken (or leftover chicken or turkey). Also add the prepared lemongrass (including upper stalk pieces), plus kaffir lime leaves and fresh chili. Boil 5-8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
. Turn heat down to medium. Add the galangal or ginger, 1/2 can coconut milk, the fish sauce, and extra vegetables (if using). Stir well. Simmer gently 1-2 minutes.
. Turn heat down to minimum. Add lime juice and stir.
Add the mushrooms at the last minute or they turn black.
. Do a taste test. Look for a balance between spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Start with salty, adding more fish sauce if not salty or flavorful enough (1 Tbsp. at a time). If too sour, add the sugar plus a little more if you need it. If too spicy, or if you'd like it creamier, add more coconut milk. If not spicy enough, add more chili.
. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle a little fresh coriander, basil, and spring onion over each bowl. 

I like to serve with rice and let each person spoon a little rice into his/her soup before eating.