Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This red curry soup recipe is your answer. It's bursting with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and a creamy coconut milk base that will transport your taste buds to Thailand. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress experienced cooks. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking creations. Get ready to experience the best recipes for a healthy and delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the red curry paste to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release its fragrant oils. This step helps to deepen the flavor of your soup.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and mushrooms to the simmering soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the spinach and cooked chicken or tofu (if using). Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Red Curry Soup:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spiciness. Start with less and add more to your liking.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or green beans.
- Protein Options: Shrimp, chickpeas, or even lentils are great protein alternatives to chicken or tofu.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides the best creaminess. However, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lower-fat option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on protein and coconut milk choice)
- Fat: Varies depending on ingredients
- Protein: Varies depending on protein choice
- Carbohydrates: Varies depending on ingredients
This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. Try this red curry soup recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to see your culinary creations using this recipe. Remember, the best recipes come from sharing and experimenting!