Gaeng Lieng (Thai Spicy Vegetable Soup)

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1. 1

   Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the pumpkin into 1-inch cubes. Trim and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Clean and quarter the mushrooms. Thinly slice the red chili for garnish, if using.

   Около 10 мин

   Совет повара: Ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking. For a spicier kick, you can include some of the chili in the paste.

2. 2

   Prepare the curry paste: Roughly chop the shallot, garlic, galangal, and lemongrass. Add them to a mortar and pestle along with the white peppercorns.

   Совет повара: If using a food processor, chop ingredients finely before blending to ensure a smooth paste. For a more traditional texture, a mortar and pestle is preferred.

3. 3

   Pound the ingredients vigorously in the mortar and pestle until a fine, aromatic paste forms, about 8-10 minutes.

   Около 10 мин

   Совет повара: The key to a flavorful paste is thorough pounding; the more finely ground the ingredients, the better the flavors will meld.

4. 4

   Add the shrimp paste to the pounded mixture and continue to pound until it is fully incorporated and the paste is well combined, about 2 minutes.

   Около 2 мин

   Совет повара: Shrimp paste adds a crucial umami depth to the soup. If you're sensitive to its strong smell, open a window!

5. 5

   Bring 1 liter of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

   Около 5 мин

   Совет повара: Using a pot with a lid will help the water come to a boil faster, saving energy and time.

6. 6

   Once the water is boiling, carefully add the prepared curry paste to the pot and stir continuously until the paste completely dissolves into the water, about 1 minute.

   Около 1 мин

   Совет повара: Break up any clumps of paste with your spoon to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the broth.

7. 7

   Add the diced pumpkin to the simmering broth and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pumpkin pieces begin to soften but are still firm.

   Около 7 мин

   Совет повара: Pumpkin takes longer to cook than other vegetables, so add it first to ensure it's tender by the time the soup is ready.

8. 8

   Stir in the baby corn, sliced zucchini, and quartered mushrooms.

   Совет повара: Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the broth's temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

9. 9

   Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender-crisp, retaining a slight bite.

   Около 5 мин

   Совет повара: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their vibrant color and texture. Taste a piece to check for desired doneness.

10. 10

    Season the soup with fish sauce and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, aiming for a balanced savory and slightly spicy flavor.

    Около 1 мин

    Совет повара: Add fish sauce gradually, tasting after each addition, as its saltiness can vary. A good Gaeng Lieng should be savory, peppery, and slightly sweet from the pumpkin.

11. 11

    Remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.

    Совет повара: Adding basil at the very end preserves its fresh, aromatic quality; cooking it for too long will diminish its flavor.

12. 12

    Ladle the hot Gaeng Lieng into individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh red chili slices, if desired, for an extra pop of color and heat.

    Совет повара: Serve immediately to enjoy the soup at its best, with the vegetables still tender-crisp and the broth piping hot.