Paleo Tom Kha Gai

🥥 Paleo Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
🌏 Cultural Introduction
Tom Kha Gai is a beloved Thai soup known for its creamy coconut base, fragrant herbs, and gentle heat. “Tom” means “to boil,” “Kha” refers to galangal (a citrusy root similar to ginger), and “Gai” means chicken. Traditionally served as a starter or light meal, this soup is both comforting and invigorating. Our Paleo version keeps it dairy-free, grain-free, and deeply nourishing—perfect for mindful sipping and global storytelling.
🍽️ Yield and Cooking Time
Yield: 6 servings (approx. 16 oz each)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
 
Paleo Tom Kha Gai Soup
 
🧂 Ingredients (Standard Measurements)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
4 cups chicken bone broth
2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
3 slices fresh galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
3 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or zest of 1 lime)
1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
1 small red chili, sliced (optional)
1 tbsp fish sauce (check for Paleo compliance)
Juice of 1 lime
½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp coconut aminos (optional for umami)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
🔪 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Infuse broth: In a large pot, combine bone broth, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse.
Add chicken: Add sliced chicken to the pot and simmer for 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
Add coconut milk & mushrooms: Stir in coconut milk, mushrooms, and chili (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Season: Add fish sauce, lime juice, salt, and coconut aminos. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finish: Remove lemongrass and galangal slices. Stir in cilantro and green onions just before serving.
🥕 Nutritional Benefits
Immune boosting: Galangal, lime, and chili support respiratory and digestive health.
Anti-inflammatory: Coconut milk and herbs soothe the gut and reduce inflammation.
Protein-rich: Chicken and bone broth support muscle repair and satiety.
Hydrating: Coconut milk and broth provide electrolytes and fluids.
🌶️ Key Flavor Building Highlights
Lemongrass & galangal: Create a citrusy, floral backbone.
Coconut milk: Adds creamy richness without dairy.
Fish sauce & lime juice: Balance umami and acidity.
Fresh herbs: Brighten and finish the soup with vibrancy.
🤓 Fun Facts About Ingredients
Galangal: A cousin of ginger, used in Thai and Indonesian medicine for centuries.
Lemongrass: Naturally antimicrobial and used in traditional teas.
Coconut milk: A staple in Southeast Asian cooking, rich in lauric acid for immune support.
👐 Hands-On Techniques for Flavor
Smashing lemongrass releases its oils—use the back of a knife or rolling pin.
Simmering aromatics first infuses the broth with layered flavor.
Thinly slicing chicken ensures quick, even cooking.
Adding herbs at the end preserves their brightness and aroma.
📊 American Nutritional Facts (Per 16 oz Serving)
Calories: ~310 kcal
Protein: ~24g
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~650mg
Sugar: ~3g
💡 Pro Tips
Use a mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove lemongrass and galangal before serving.
For extra richness, add a spoonful of coconut cream.
Make it spicier with Thai bird’s eye chilies or milder by omitting chili altogether.
Prep aromatics in advance and freeze in soup kits for quick weeknight meals.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
Galangal: Use fresh ginger if unavailable.
Kaffir lime leaves: Substitute with lime zest.
Chicken: Try shrimp or tofu (if not strictly Paleo).
Coconut milk: Use cashew cream or almond milk for a lighter version.
🌸 Garnishes to Enhance the Soup
Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
Lime wedges
Sliced red chili or chili oil drizzle
Toasted coconut flakes
Julienned carrots or daikon for crunch
🍹 Beverage Pairing Suggestions
Hot pairing: Lemongrass or ginger tea
Cold pairing: Coconut water with lime
Festive pairing: Sparkling water with basil and pineapple slices
🧘 Digestive Rituals
Begin with a deep inhale of the soup’s aroma.
Sip slowly, allowing the warmth to soothe your belly.
End with a few minutes of quiet reflection or journaling.
🥄 Rituals for Mindful Eating
Acknowledge the cultural roots of the dish and the farmers behind each ingredient.
Eat without screens—focus on texture, aroma, and temperature.
Invite conversation about global flavors and food memories.
Use your hydration tracker to log your soup as part of your daily intake.
💧 Hydration Reminder
Each 16 oz serving counts toward your daily hydration goals! Mark your Soup Angel Daily Hydration Tracker with a spoon icon 🥄 and celebrate every nourishing sip.