Welcome to the world of vibrant flavors with this Savory Lemongrass Chicken Soup! It's a simple yet exotic dish that's perfect for adding a touch of adventure to your dinner table. This soup is all about soothing warmth with a zesty kick, ideal for any season.
Olive oil is the base for sautéing, providing a light and healthy start. Onion and garlic deliver foundational flavors, while ginger adds a warm, spicy note. Lemongrass brings a citrusy aroma that's truly unique to this soup. Chicken broth and water form the comforting liquid base, allowing the flavors to meld together. Chicken thighs offer tender, juicy bites, and carrots, mushrooms, and snow peas contribute freshness and texture. A splash of fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of brown sugar balance the soup with umami, tang, and sweetness. Finally, fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a final flourish of flavor and color.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Consider serving it with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. You'll want to sauté them until they're fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
Next, stir in the minced ginger and smashed lemongrass. Let them cook for about a minute to release their flavors. You should start to smell the wonderful aroma of ginger and lemongrass mingling.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, add the bite-sized chicken thighs, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Let these cook for around 20 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook through and the veggies to soften.
Once the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender, stir in the snow peas, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Give it another 5 minutes on the heat to let everything blend nicely.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember to remove the lemongrass stalks as you don't want those in your bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve each bowl with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.