Hello friends! Today I’m sharing with you one of my favorite soups ever: khao poon. It’s a traditional dish from Laos and northern Thailand that is often served at weddings and festivals. It’s also known as Lao laksa or khao soi in some regions. And it’s absolutely delicious!
Khao poon is a spicy red curry soup with tender chicken, chewy rice noodles, crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s easy to make with pantry staples and customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free!
I first tried khao poon at a Lao restaurant in Minneapolis and I was blown away by the flavors and textures. It was creamy, spicy, tangy and savory all at once. It was also very filling and satisfying. I knew I had to recreate it at home.
After doing some research online and consulting with some Lao friends, I came up with this recipe that I think is pretty close to the original. Of course, you can tweak it to your liking by adding more or less curry paste or red chili flakes for spiciness, fish sauce or lime juice for saltiness and acidity, or any other toppings you prefer.
The key ingredients for khao poon are:
- Red curry paste: This is what gives the soup its distinctive color and flavor. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Coconut milk: This adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can use full-fat or light coconut milk depending on your preference.
- Chicken broth: This forms the base of the soup along with the coconut milk. You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth or stock.
- Aromatics: These include lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves that infuse the broth with their fragrant flavors. You can also use ginger instead of galangal if you can’t find it.
- Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. You cook them in the broth until tender and then shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Rice noodles: These are thin noodles made from rice flour that are gluten-free and easy to cook. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online.
- Toppings: These are what make khao poon so fun and delicious. You can use any combination of bean sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cilantro, mint, scallion, lime wedges, fish sauce, or anything else you like.
That’s it! You have a warm, cozy, and comforting meal that will make you happy and satisfied. I hope you give this khao poon recipe a try and let me know how you like it in the comments below! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Enjoy! 😋
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