Samlor Machu Kroeung Moan
Sour Chicken Curry Soup
A vibrant and tangy soup featuring tender chicken simmered in a broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime, balanced with a sour element.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 stalks Lemongrass stalks(bottom 4 inches, bruised and roughly chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 inch piece Fresh turmeric root(peeled and thinly sliced (or 1 tsp ground turmeric))
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 medium Shallots(thinly sliced)
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(torn)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind paste(or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce(or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 6 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- Fresh herbs(for garnish (e.g., cilantro, green onions))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the kroeung paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal, sliced turmeric, minced garlic, and sliced shallots. Pound or process into a fine paste.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the kroeung paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- 4
Pour in the water, add the torn kaffir lime leaves, tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- 5
Add the tomato wedges to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 6
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce, sugar, salt, or tamarind paste as needed.
- 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier soup, add a few sliced chilies with the kroeung paste.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to achieve your desired level of sourness.
- ✓If fresh turmeric is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute fish or pork for chicken.
- Add other vegetables like green beans or bamboo shoots.