Unveiling the Mystery of Tom Yam Putih
What Is Tom Yam Putih?
Tom yam putih, or white tom yam, is a type of tom yam soup that is popular in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a light and fragrant soup that is made with a combination of chicken, prawns, and mushrooms. The soup is seasoned with a variety of herbs, like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, to give it a tangy and pungent flavor. The soup is usually served with rice or noodles.
What Makes Tom Yam Putih Unique?
Tom yam putih is unique because it is a lighter version of the more popular tom yam soup. Whereas the original tom yam soup is more heavily spiced, tom yam putih is milder and less spicy. It also has a much lighter color, hence the "putih" in the name, which means "white" in Malay.
How to Make Tom Yam Putih
Making tom yam putih is relatively easy. The first step is to prepare the ingredients. You will need chicken, prawns, mushrooms, and a variety of herbs, such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. You will also need shallots, garlic, and chili peppers.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken into small pieces. Peel and devein the prawns, and remove the heads. Then, cut the mushrooms into thin slices. Peel and mince the shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. Finally, prepare the herbs by crushing the lemongrass, slicing the galangal, and tearing the kaffir lime leaves.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
In a pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. Cook until the shallots are translucent. Then, add the chicken and prawns. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add the mushrooms and herbs, and stir to combine. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, and bring it to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the soup is fragrant and the flavors have melded together.
Serving and Enjoying Tom Yam Putih
Tom yam putih is best served hot with a bowl of steamed white rice or noodles. The soup can also be enjoyed on its own. Garnish with some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor. Enjoy!