Child-friendly Tom Yum Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces

• 3-4 slices galangal (can be substituted with ginger)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
  

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (button or straw mushrooms work well)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)

• Cooked rice or noodles (optional, for serving)

• Peeled prawns / sliced fish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2. Add the lemongrass, onions, galangal and kaffir lime leaves to the broth. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Add the fish sauce (if using) and lime juice to the broth. Stir well to combine.

4. Add the prawns, sliced fish, sliced carrot, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to the broth. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce according to your preference.

6. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat and squeeze in line juice. Remove the lemongrass stalks, galangal slices, and any large pieces of kaffir lime leaves from the soup not for children to eat.

7. If desired, stir in the chopped cilantro leaves for added flavor.

8. Serve the Tom Yum soup hot as is or over cooked rice or noodles for a heartier meal.

Enjoy your homemade Tom Yum soup!