Tom Zaap Recipe

[AL_]

Hey, food lovers! Let's spice up our day with Tom Zaap, a fiery and tangy Thai soup that's bursting with bold flavors. Known for its sour and spicy profile, Tom Zaap features a tantalizing blend of herbs, chili peppers, and tender meat, making it a favorite in Thai cuisine. Let's dive into this delicious recipe together!

Ingredients:​

For the Soup:​

• 500g pork spare ribs or pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups water or pork broth
• 3-4 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
• 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 3-4 Thai bird's eye chilies, bruised (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup galangal slices
• 1/2 cup sliced shallots
• 1/4 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (straw mushrooms or oyster mushrooms)
• Fish sauce, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons roasted rice powder
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish

Optional Additions:​

• Cooked blood jelly (optional for authenticity)
• Snakehead fish or shrimp (optional)

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Soup Base:
   • In a large pot, bring water or pork broth to a boil.
   • Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bruised Thai bird's eye chilies, and galangal slices. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Add Pork and Vegetables:
   • Add pork spare ribs (or pork belly) to the pot. Cook until the pork is tender, about 20-30 minutes.
   • Stir in sliced shallots, sliced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Season the Soup:
   • Season with fish sauce to taste. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust according to your preference for saltiness.
   • Add lime juice to balance the flavors. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of tanginess.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle roasted rice powder over the soup and stir to mix well. The roasted rice powder adds a nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup slightly.
   • Remove the pot from heat and ladle Tom Zaap into serving bowls.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and Thai basil leaves.

Serving Suggestion:​

• Enjoy Tom Zaap as a spicy and satisfying soup. The combination of aromatic herbs, spicy chilies, and tender pork creates a harmonious explosion of flavors that will warm your soul!

Experience the spicy tang of Tom Zaap and explore the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Share your love for Thai food with us in the comments below!

 

[culinary_connoisseur]

Did you know that galangal, a key ingredient in Tom Zaap, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties? It's impressive how flavorful and beneficial this soup can be.

 

[ANNA_]

Interesting dish. Will try to make for my family. Hope they will love this. Thanks, for sharing.