Samlor Machou Kroeung Moan
A vibrant and sour chicken soup, Samlor Machou Kroeung Moan is a staple in Cambodian cuisine, characterized by its tangy broth infused with a fragrant kroeung paste and tender chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 stalks Lemongrass(white part only, thinly sliced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Galangal(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(peeled)
- 3 medium Shallots(peeled and roughly chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric(ground)
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Thai bird's eye chilies(deseeded and sliced (optional, adjust to taste))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 2 medium Tomatoes(cut into wedges)
- 1 cup Green beans(trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 6 cups Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the kroeung paste: In a mortar and pestle, pound the sliced lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, ground turmeric, sliced kaffir lime leaves, and sliced chilies (if using) until a smooth paste forms. Alternatively, use a food processor.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients for the kroeung are finely ground for optimal flavor release. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the prepared kroeung paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir-fry until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the fish sauce and tamarind paste. Cook for another minute.
- 5
Add the water, tomato wedges, and green beans to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- 6
Season the soup with salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the sourness with more tamarind paste if needed.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, balancing the sour, salty, and slightly sweet notes. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of your kroeung paste is crucial for the authentic flavor of this soup.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chilies and tamarind paste according to your preference for spice and sourness.
- ✓For a richer broth, you can add a few chicken bones or a small piece of pork belly when simmering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like daikon radish, eggplant, or bitter melon.
- Substitute chicken with fish fillets or pork.