a simple easy dinner recipe loaded up with healthy veggies; optional to add your choice of chicken of tofu.
- 1 T olive oil
- 1-2 extra large shallot, finely diced
- 1/4-1/2 cup green curry paste
- 4 cups chicken or veggie broth
- 8 ounces broccolini – cut in half lengthwise
- 13.5 ounce can coconut milk, regualr or low-fat (less coconut flavor)
- 2-4 tsp fish sauce or vegan fish sauce
- juice from half a lime, more to taste
- 1/4-1/2 cup basil leaves, packed
- 6-8 ounces dry rice noodles or noodles of your choosing cooked according to directions on package
- 1 tsp lt. brown sugar or honey optional
- 4 inch stalk of lemongress, smashed optional, nice if using jar sauce to simmer broth
- 3-4 slices peeled ginger optional, nice if using jar sauce to simmer broth
- 4-6 peels of lime, no pith optional, nice if using jar sauce to simmer broth
- 8 ounces thin strips of chicken breast or rotisserie chicken OR tofu optional
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Heat oil in a medium pot, over medium heat and sauté the shallot until golden. Add the curry paste and saute 1-2 minutes. Add the broth and bring it to a simmer. If using jar curry paste, adding the optional lemongrass, ginger and lime add nice flavor.
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Add the broccolini and chicken (if using) and simmer until the broccoli is just tender and bright green and chicken is cooked through. Stir in the coconut milk and if using tofu, add this now.
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Add the fish sauce and lime juice.
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To brighten up the soup, add 1 cup of the coconut broth into a blender with the fresh basil and blend well until until bright green.
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When you are ready to serve the soup, heat the soup up and pour the basil broth mixture into the broth, simmer briefly(no longer than 30 seconds) and turn the heat off ( to preserve the vibrant green color). Taste and adjust lime, salt and heat. Feel free to add more green chili paste to taste.
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You want a slightly salty broth knowing it will mellow substantially when poured over the noodles.
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Divide the noodles among 3-4 bowls. Pour the flavorful broth overtop. Garnish with bean sprouts, lime wedges, shredded carrot, red peppers, scallions & chili flakes or any other veggies, nuts, or garnishes of choice.
