Description
This Coconut Curry Soup Recipe is a harmonious fusion of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, all bathed in a velvety coconut milk broth that delivers a comforting and flavorful Southeast Asian culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz red curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup carrots, diced
- 1 can unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 cups spinach, washed
- 16 ounces rice noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Sliced serrano peppers
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork shoulder to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside. Let is rest for 10 minutes and slice.
- In the same pot, add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in the red curry paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Return the cooked pork to the pot and stir to combine with the other ingredients. - Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Just before serving, add the spinach to the pot and stir until wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, place a portion of cooked rice noodles in each bowl. Ladle the curry pork soup over the noodles.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and sliced serrano peppers for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
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Preparation is Key: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Chop your vegetables, dice the pork, measure out sauces and spices – having everything prepared makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Adjust Spice Level: The spiciness of the soup depends on the red curry paste. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference. You can always add more paste if you want it spicier, but be cautious as a little can go a long way.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly chopped vegetables and herbs will enhance the taste and texture of the soup.
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Sauté the Curry Paste: Sautéing the red curry paste in the pot before adding liquids helps to enhance its flavor and aroma. This step is crucial for building the base of the soup.
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Build Layers of Flavor: Brown the pork to add depth and richness to the broth. The caramelization adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
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Simmer for Flavor Infusion: Allow the soup to simmer after adding the liquids and other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
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Taste and Adjust: Throughout the cooking process, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. This ensures that the flavors are well-balanced.
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Don't Overcook Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots and spinach towards the end of the cooking time to maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
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Avoid Boiling Coconut Milk: Coconut milk can separate or curdle if boiled vigorously. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when the coconut milk is added.
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Noodles Separately: If you're using rice noodles, cook them separately according to package instructions. Adding them directly to the soup can cause them to become mushy over time.
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Garnish Creatively: Garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced serrano peppers not only add flavor but also visual appeal. Feel free to get creative with the presentation.
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Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store them properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. Remember to label and date them for easy identification.
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Reheating: Gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the ingredients. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
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Experiment and Adapt: Feel free to experiment with the recipe. Add extra vegetables, try different proteins, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
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Enjoy with Sides: Serve the soup with rice, bread, or other sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 448.3
- Sugar: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 948.9 mg
- Fat: 17.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.6 g
- Fiber: 5.0 g
- Protein: 30.3 g
- Cholesterol: 45.6 mg