Coconut Curry Soup

Pic courtesy of Mel's Kitchen Cafe

I went out for Thai food for the first time last week and I have been craving curry ever since. It is seriously one of my favorite foods. I used to eat it on my mission pretty often, but totally forgot how much I love it. Anyway, this dish was nothing short of amazing and so easy and quick to put together (We're talking 30 minute meal here people!). I can easily foresee this as a new staple in our house.


Coconut Curry Soup
adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

*Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, (about 3), cut into 1-inch (or smaller) pieces
Salt and pepper for seasoning
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14-ounces) unsweetened light coconut milk
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
¼ cup fresh cilantro

3-4 cups hot, cooked rice for serving

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until it is hot and shimmering. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil. Let the chicken cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the onions and red pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions and peppers are slightly softened. The chicken and vegetables don’t have to be fully cooked as they will simmer and cook further in the next step.

Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and curry powder. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, gently, for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve a ladle or two of the soup over a scoop of rice and garnish with more cilantro, if desired.

*Just like the picture, I filled a bowl half way with rice and then ladled on the "soup." Think of it more as a stew, though. It shouldn't be too soupy.