Name: Khao Soi Soup
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; ">Curry Paste:; font-size: 14pt; ">20 grams of dried chilis (guajillo or puya); font-size: 14pt; ">A teaspoon of salt; font-size: 14pt; ">10 slices of ginger; font-size: 14pt; ">½ teaspoon of ground turmeric; font-size: 14pt; ">½ cup of shallots (chopped); font-size: 14pt; ">1.5 tablespoons of coriander seeds; font-size: 14pt; ">3 pods of black cardamom &nbsp; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; ">Noodle Soup:; font-size: 14pt; ">½ of the curry paste made above; font-size: 14pt; ">1 cup of coconut milk; font-size: 14pt; ">1 pound of chicken drumsticks; font-size: 14pt; ">2.5-3 cups of water; font-size: 14pt; ">2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce

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Recently, in Northern Thailand, I tried my first Khao Soi dish - and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

In fact, I’ve had back-to-back Khao Soi dinner dishes for the last few nights (Yes, it’s that good!).

Rich and flavorful with deep-fried crispy egg noodles and boiled egg noodles in a spicy coconut milk-based curry soup, this delicious Thai dish resembles a thinner yellow curry.

After posting this dish to my social media, I quickly realized many of my international friends agree: Khao Soi is the dish to try in Northern Thailand and is beloved by locals and foreigners alike.

Now, whenever I love a dish, I also love to learn how it's made and what nourishment it provides for my body and mind.

After my first slurp, Khao Soi was no exception!

So, let’s dig into this incredibly yummy dish together. How can we make this one at home?

And most importantly, what nourishment does it provide for improved mental wellness?

Homemade Khao Soi: How You Can Enjoy This Dish At Home

Here’s the good news: You don’t necessarily need to travel all the way to Northern Thailand to enjoy this amazing curry soup. Yet, it does take some patience to make. However, some experts indicate that cooking alone can be therapeutic and has anti-stress, anti-anxiety, and mood-boosting effects.

So, let’s cook our blues away! Here’s how to bring a bit of Thailand into the comfort of your own home (and to the delight of your taste buds!).

How Khao Soi Fills Your Belly and Your Soul

Khao Soi is loaded with goodness. First up, it’s packed with protein, thanks to plenty of chicken.

If you’ve read our recipes before, you’ll already know how important protein is for producing neurotransmitters and hormones, which control our mood. When these are better balanced through optimal protein intake, we feel good.

But, arguably, the real hero of this dish is turmeric.

Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin. This active compound is associated with improved neuro function over time, including better attention, working memory, language, and executive function—all associated with better brain health and mental health.

Studies further show how curcumin may have anti-depressant effects, meaning it can literally uplift your mood. It’s no wonder it’s been included in traditional medicinal systems for thousands of years, such as the Indian Ayurvedic medicinal system.

In other words, this is a dish you can feel good about—both for flavor and benefits. One thing to note here is that it may be more beneficial to use low-fat coconut milk as this dish can definitely push your fat macros up a bit.

While fat isn’t bad, too much of anything is never a good thing and may lead to imbalances.

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Khao Soi Soup

Prep time:

40 minutes

Cook time:

45 minutes

Total time:

1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Category:

Chicken

Ingredients:

Curry Paste:

20 grams of dried chilis (guajillo or puya)
A teaspoon of salt
10 slices of ginger
½ teaspoon of ground turmeric
½ cup of shallots (chopped)
1.5 tablespoons of coriander seeds
3 pods of black cardamom

Noodle Soup:

½ of the curry paste made above
1 cup of coconut milk
1 pound of chicken drumsticks
2.5-3 cups of water
2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce
2.5 teaspoons of sugar
9 ounces (250 grams) of flat egg noodles/wonton noodles
3 ounces (90 grams) of thin egg noodles
Chopped cilantro

Condiments:

A lime (cut into wedges)
¼ cup of shallots (chopped)
⅓ cup of sour pickled greens (chopped)
Fried chili flakes

Instructions:

Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods. Place the seeds into a dry skillet on medium heat. Add the coriander seeds. Toast over high heat, moving them around constantly until the coriander seeds darken. Then, set aside.
In the same skillet, also on high heat, mix the ginger, shallots, and turmeric together. Sear until charred. Remove from the pan.
Grind the toasted cardamom and coriander seeds into a powder, then set aside.
Grind the chili into a powder and set aside.
Grind the ginger, shallots, and turmeric into a paste, then add the chilis and spices.
In a medium-sized pot, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium heat and add the spice paste. Heat for about 30 seconds.
Add ½ cup of coconut milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the milk has thickened into a paste.
Add the chicken to the pan and toss in the paste.
Add the remaining water, coconut milk, and seasonings.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Turn down to a simmer and let the chicken braise for 20-40 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, make the crispy fried noodles.
Cut the noodles to about 4 inches in length. Heat in one inch of frying oil in a wok at about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the noodles and press them down into the oil. Flip over once bubbling has slowed down, then take off when bubbling slows down a second time. Let them drain on a paper towel.
Make the fried chili flakes: Mix the chili flakes and oil in a pan on medium-low. Ideally, the chili flakes should be coated but not soaked in oil. Cook until fragrant.
To assemble, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then, add one portion of the egg noodles. Cook for one minute or follow the instructions on the package.
Place each noodle portion in a separate bowl. Pour the hot curry broth over top, then add the chicken. Add the crunchy noodles on top and cilantro for garnish. Use as many of the condiments as you prefer (taste-test here!) and enjoy!

Yield (servings):

3 servings

Enjoy This Thai Food Tonight!

No need to order takeout when you can make your own at home. Or order that takeout and enjoy traditional Khao Soi in all its glory! Either way, this dish, in moderation, can serve as a great addition to a healthy diet and healthy mind.