Curried chicken coconut noodle soup

Cook: 30 mins

This recipe is from our Vietnamese class in our cookery school and has become a firm favourite in the Fulvio household. It is so hearty that it is wonderful as a main supper in the evening.

Vegetable oil

1 large garlic clove, minced

2 tbsp curry powder

800ml–1 litre chicken stock

1 x 400ml tin of unsweetened coconut milk

100ml water

6 thin slices of fresh ginger

1 stalk of lemongrass, the woody top section discarded and the remainder minced

1⁄2 tsp whole black peppercorns

2 chicken breasts

130g medium Asian egg noodles

3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 1⁄2 limes)

3 tbsp Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

1 sprig of fresh coriander, chopped

Heat a saucepan over a moderately low heat. Add some oil and the garlic and stir for 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Add the curry powder and cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in the stock, coconut milk, water, ginger root, lemongrass and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the chicken and poach it for about 20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken and stir it back into the broth.

Add the noodles to the soup, stir to soften and simmer for about 3 minutes, taking care not to overcook.

Add the lime juice and the Thai fish sauce. Taste for seasoning, adding more Thai fish sauce or lime juice as required.

Using a tongs, divide the noodles among the bowls and ladle the soup over them. Sprinkle with coriander and serve.

Serves
4-6

Cooking Time
30 minutes

Main ingredients
Chicken, Pasta & Noodles, Vegetables

Recipe Type
Soups, Dinner, Pasta/Noodles

Cuisine
Asian

Special Info
Nut free, Dairy free

Level of Difficulty
Medium

If freezing this soup, omit the noodles, as these can be added in when reheating. They only take a few minutes to cook in the broth.