Teresa's Recipes
Somlar Maju Kreung
Somlar Maju Kreung is a vibrant and aromatic Cambodian sour soup that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy flavors. This traditional dish is a staple in Cambodian cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. With a rich broth infused with fresh herbs and spices, it celebrates the culinary heritage of Cambodia. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant lemongrass, and zesty lime juice creates a comforting yet refreshing experience that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Water
- 1.5 lbs Chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass (cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed)
- 1 inch Galangal (sliced)
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves (torn)
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind paste
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2-3 peppers, adjust to taste Red chili peppers (sliced)
- 2 shallots Shallots (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Return the clear broth to the pot.
- To the strained broth, add tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, salt, sliced chili peppers, shallots, and minced garlic. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime juice to taste if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with a generous amount of fresh cilantro.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the level of spice by modifying the number of chili peppers used or by adding chili paste for extra heat.
- Serve this soup with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.