Khao Poon Recipe With 5 Modifications For A Flavorful Meal

Khao Poon Recipe is a spicy noodle soup originating from Laos.  It is a traditional dish spread to neighbouring South Asian countries, owing to its subtle blend of flavours.  Coconut milk, lemongrass, and kaffir leaves are the main stars of this dish add tons of flavour.

Why Is Khao Poon So Popular?

There are several reasons behind the popularity of this dish.  It has risen from being a humble household staple to a tantalizing dish that is sold on street sides and posh restaurants.  The reasons for its success are:

• Khao Poon is a wholesome dish that is a complete meal in itself.
• It is shallow in calories as there is very little oil added in and the healthy fats from coconut milk are beneficial to the body.
• It is versatile.  It goes well with the addition of any meat.  Chicken, pork, and beef are some popular choices.
• It is a comforting balmy broth that can make you feel at home at the end of a tiring day.
• The addition of various aromatic herbs adds to the nutritional value of the food and gives it its characteristic complex flavour.

How Is Khao Poon Recipe Served?

The dish is usually served in large bowls with an array of assorted items that serve as toppings.  Thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, cabbage., banana flower, cilantro, basil, lemon juice, shallots, and finely cut pieces of boiled eggs are great toppings that work with the dish.

Ingredients to make Khao Poon Recipe

• 3 pounds chicken breast, with skin intact
• 10 cups water
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2-inch piece of fresh galangal
• 3 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil
• 1 stalk lemongrass braised
• 2 tbsp canola oil (optional)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped fine
• ½ cup shallots, chopped fine
• 2 tbsp padauk
• Kaffir leaves, about a handful
• 3 tbsp galangal, chopped fine
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 2 cans of coconut milk (about 14 oz each)
• 1 pack of round vermicelli noodles
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 green cabbage, shredded
• 1 bunch lettuce
• 1 bunch green onions
• 1 bundle cilantro
• 1 lime
• 1 bag Thai chillies
• 1 cup mint, fresh
• 1 cup banana blossom
• Dried chillies, a handful

Method of Preparation For Khao Poon Recipe

1. Add the chicken to a pot of water with a teaspoon of salt and boil for around 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.  Once it has boiled, remove the chicken from the water and debone.  Reserve the water to use later.
2. Cook the vermicelli in boiling water as well for around 5 minutes.  Run cold water over it once you remove it from the boiling water.
3. Add two tbsp of canola oil to the chicken stock while it is in the same vessel.
4. Add garlic and boil for a few minutes until the garlic has lost its raw smell.
5. Add the red curry paste and cook again for a few minutes.
6. Add the shredded chicken and stir.
7. Add galangal, lemongrass, and shallots.
8. Add kaffir leaves and padauk.
9. Add the coconut milk and give it a good stir.  Continue to simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
10. Serve over boiled vermicelli with all the other ingredients used as toppings.

Modifications That Can Be Made To The Khao Poon Recipe

• The dish can be served as a purely vegetarian delight by eliminating the meat and adding tofu.  Alternatively, other meats may be added e.g., fish, beef, or pork.
• If you like a lighter broth, you may add more water and reduce the amount of coconut milk in the dish.
• Some recipes call for bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and baby corn to be added to the dish.  You can add them if you like the flavour.
• Add a bit of chilli sauce to the dish if you are a fan of spice.  The amount of red curry paste used can also be increased based on your preference.
• Adding fish sauce to the dish is another common trend followed in certain areas.

Summary

The broth is infused with coconut milk and curry paste, differentiating it from other South Asian dishes that typically have a protein-based broth.  Its well-balanced creamy and buttery texture makes it a staple in many homes in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia. A bowl of well-balanced flavorful noodles soup is a good way to end the day for the many tired working folks.  Even though this is a traditional recipe, it can be tweaked to have many modern variations to it.  Visit our blog, foodiewish.com, for numerous such recipes.