1. Real Tom Yum Soup with Coconut Milk ("Tom Khaa")

2. Do you know anyone who doesn't love Tom Yum soup? Aside from being the most famous of all Thai soups, Tom Yum offers many health benefits, due to its potent combination of herbs and spices. In fact, this Thai soup is currently under scientific study, as it appears to have immune-boosting power as a natural remedy for cold and flu viruses. In this version of the soup, I've included coconut milk (officially "Tom Khaa") which I find adds both richness and flavor while still keeping the soup super healthy. Enjoy!Tom Yum

3. What You'll Need 3-4 cups chicken stock (this makes enough soup to serve 2 people) 1 stalk lemongrass, lower 1/3 finely minced (for instructions on how to prepare lemongrass, see link)lemongrass 3 kaffir lime leaves (available fresh or frozen at Asian food stores) 12-14 medium or large raw shrimp, shelled 2 Tbsp. fish saucefish sauce ½ tsp. dried crushed chili (to taste) 3 cloves garlic, minced optional: a handful of cherry tomatoes generous handful fresh shiitake mushrooms sliced thinly 1 green and/or red bell pepper, sliced ½ can coconut milk (add more or less to taste) ⅓ cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped optional: 1 tsp. brown sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice

4. How to Make It Pour stock into a deep cooking pot and turn heat to medium-high. Add prepared lemongrass to the pot, including upper parts of the stalk you didn't mince. Boil 5 to 6 minutes, or until fragrant.prepared lemongrass Reduce heat slightly to achieve a nice simmer. Add garlic, chili, lime leaves, and mushrooms to broth. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes. Add shrimp, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Simmer 5-6 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and plump. Turn down the heat to low and add 1/2 can coconut milk plus fish sauce. Test-test the soup for spice and salt, adding more chili and/or fish sauce (instead of salt) as desired. If too sour for your taste, add 1 tsp. brown sugar; if too salty, add a squeeze of lime juice. Add more coconut milk if you want your soup richer/creamier, or if it's too spicy for your taste. Serve in bowls with fresh coriander sprinkled over. Enjoy!! (See below for more variations on this recipe.)

5. Variations: For a vegetarian version, see my Easy Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup RecipeEasy Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup Recipe For a more traditional Tom Yum Soup (without coconut milk), see: Traditional Tom Yum SoupTom Yum SoupTraditional Tom Yum Soup If you prefer chicken over seafood, substitute chicken breast for shrimp (cut the chicken into bite-size pieces). Rice noodles can also be added for a delicious noodle soup version of Tom Yum. Rice noodles