Ananda Kaplan Spring is knocking at the door, and we have the perfect recipe to bridge the gap between seasons. Our tasty lemongrass, mushroom, and coconut soup is light and nourishing, while still being creamy and comforting. The lemongrass embodies the essence of spring aromas with its citrus earthiness pairing beautifully with the meaty mushrooms and creamy coconut broth accented with hints of ginger, lime, and chilies.
This soup is a great way to get a fully balanced meal in one scrumptious bowl. We added brown rice noodles, Napa cabbage and tofu for extra fiber and protein. It also works great with any grain, hearty veggie, and protein choice of your liking to create tasty new combos that are big on flavor and easy to prepare. This delicious soup is also packed full of health-supporting ingredients that help boost our natural detoxing pathways, giving our bodies their form of spring cleaning.
Lemongrass, Mushroom, and Coconut Soup
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon high heat oil (avocado, sunflower, coconut)
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (I used baby Bella mushrooms)
- 2-inch piece of ginger, grated or diced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (reserve some of the dark green for garnish)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste or 2 teaspoons lemongrass powder
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste or 1 teaspoon curry powder (it will give it a little different flavor but still delicious)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk
- 1 to 2 chili peppers (optional. I use Bird’s Eye)
- 2 cups chopped green leafy vegetables (I used Napa cabbage. Bok choy, any cabbage, broccoli, kale or chard also work well.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil, mint, cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 1 package silken tofu, raw (you can also use sautéed firm tofu or chicken or fish)
- 1 pack of rice noodles (I used brown rice udon noodles.)
Directions
- Prep the vegetables and lemongrass. For the lemongrass cut ends off, remove the first outer layer and cut in half. Hit each half with the back of your knife to split it open.
- Heat the oil in a large stock pot (soup pot) over medium-high heat.
- Add in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and beginning to brown. Toss them occasionally for even browning.
- Remove the mushrooms from the pot and set aside. Return the pot to the stove, lower the heat to medium, and add a little more oil. Add the scallions, ginger, and lemongrass.
- Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and scallions are beginning to soften, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, red curry paste, and a sprinkle of salt and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the maple syrup and lime juice, then cook for 1 minute, deglazing the pan. Make sure to scrape up all the yummy bits on the bottom of the pan. This adds a lot of flavor.
- Add the stock and chilies if using them, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, add Napa cabbage, coconut milk, and mushrooms, and simmer for 7-10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- While the soup simmers, cook rice noodles in boiling water according to the package and drain.
- Remove lemongrass from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- For serving, divide silken tofu into four pieces and distribute between the 4 bowls. Top with cooked rice noodles. Ladle hot soup over tofu and noodles.
- Top with fresh herbs and scallions.
Nutrient highlights
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a unique source of nutrition, offering health benefits not commonly found in plants. They are rich in selenium, an antioxidant that helps with DNA repair and improves immune function. Mushrooms contain vitamin D, rare in plant foods, essential for bone health and immune responses. They are also a good source of B vitamins, which support energy metabolism and brain health. Additionally, mushrooms have beta-glucans, compounds known for their ability to modulate the immune system and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Coconut: Coconut provides a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fats that are metabolized differently than other types of fats, offering quick energy and potentially aiding in weight management. Coconut is also high in fiber, supporting digestive health, and contains antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage. It’s a good source of minerals like manganese, which is essential for bone health and metabolic functions, and copper and iron, which help form red blood cells. Additionally, coconut contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable high in vitamins C and K, essential for immune health and blood clotting, respectively. It’s also a good source of fiber, promoting digestive health. Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which have been studied for their potential to reduce the risk of cancer. Furthermore, cabbage contributes to heart health through its content of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and its ability to lower cholesterol levels.
Basil: Basil is a highly fragrant herb known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s a great source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, and also provides vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. Basil contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, which can protect the body against oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. The herb has also been found to have anti-anxiety properties and can contribute to cardiovascular health due to its magnesium content.
Mint: Mint is not only refreshing but also packs a punch in terms of health benefits. It’s known for aiding digestion and soothing indigestion or inflammation in the stomach. Mint contains a small amount of vitamin A, which is important for eye health and night vision. Its menthol component has natural analgesic properties that can help alleviate sore throat. Mint also has antioxidant properties, which can protect against oxidative stress and support immune health.
Cilantro (Coriander): Cilantro is rich in antioxidants that can fight inflammation in the body. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and K, crucial for immune function and bone health, respectively. Cilantro may also help lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. The herb contains antimicrobial compounds, which can help fight foodborne illnesses. Additionally, cilantro can aid in detoxification, as it has been shown to help remove heavy metals from the body.
