Introduction
Khmer Noodle Soup, known locally as "Nom Banh Chok," is a beloved Cambodian dish that combines the freshness of rice noodles with a savory, lemongrass-infused broth. This dish is typically served with a variety of raw vegetables and herbs, making it both flavorful and refreshing. It’s a versatile meal enjoyed throughout Cambodia, often as breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients
- 500g rice noodles
- 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth
- 200g chicken or fish (optional)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, crushed
- 1 thumb-size piece of galangal, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100g bean sprouts
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 handful fresh herbs
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons curry paste (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the crushed lemongrass, sliced galangal, minced garlic, fish sauce, and sugar. Let it simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
-
Cook the noodles:
- While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the toppings:
- Wash and prepare the bean sprouts, cucumber, and fresh herbs (mint and basil). Set them aside for garnishing.
-
Assemble the soup:
- Strain the broth to remove lemongrass and galangal.
- If you’re using chicken or fish, add it to the broth.
- Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls, pour the hot broth over the noodles, and top with bean sprouts, cucumber, and herbs. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top before serving.
Health Note
- Use low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake.
- For a healthier option, limit the amount of fish sauce and sugar.
- Add more vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or spinach to boost fiber and vitamins.
How to Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a generous squeeze of lime.
- Adjust the flavors to your preference by adding more lime, fish sauce, or chili flakes.
- Enjoy it as a light, refreshing meal, perfect for any time of the day.
Tip
- Prepare the broth a day ahead to let the flavors fully develop.
- For added protein, consider adding shrimp, tofu, or a boiled egg.
- To make it spicier, you can add chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the broth.
