skiing in thailand

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress

Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on February 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten

Watch out for those blue diamonds. Cooking can be like skiing the back bowls of Vail. Pay close attention to the ski report.

Tonight I’m making a chicken Thai soup. Simple and fresh. Just the punch of color needed to hopefully kick us into spring. But recipes like this one can be the culinary equivalent to skiing moguls. Easier done when you are young, ignorant and have had a beer.

Be forewarned this dish has a lot of parts. It’s not difficult, but it is relentless- just like navigating those moguls. If you skip a beat, you’re going to wipe out. And if you’re old like me, falling down hurts.

Starting the recipe is like getting off the chairlift. Watch your ski tips and look both ways before choosing your path. Don’t be distracted by that cute boy who was sitting next you on the way up, he’s still having dinner with you. But right now you need to concentrate. So send him into the other room with a smooch, the mail, and/or the remote. You’re going to need at least twenty-three minutes solo from the top of the course to the chalet to get this meal on the table, so plan accordingly.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Have all of your ingredients prepped and measured. That means seeding and slicing, zesting and grating, measuring out each and every component.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Place the cellophane noodles in a bowl; add enough warm water to cover and let sit until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Sautee mushrooms and red peppers over moderate-high heat until lightly browned. Set aside.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Julienne the chicken breast.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Sautee over moderate-high heat until almost cooked through, Set aside.

Now that everything is in place, push out of the gate and down the hill. Simmer the chicken broth, jalapeño pepper, garlic, ginger, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice and fish sauce in a medium saucepan. Add mushrooms and peppers to broth. Add chicken and coconut milk and sugar.

thai chicken-cocnut soup 

Stir in the spinach until it begins to wilt.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Add the chopped cilantro. Save a few sprigs as a garnish.

thai chicken-cocnut soup

Ladle the soup over the noodles in the bowls. Time to call that snowboarder to the table and let the après party begin.

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