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Tom Yum Spice Blend

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Tom Yum Spice Blend

Tom Yum spice blend is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, often used to create the aromatic base for the famous hot-and-sour soups that are enjoyed throughout Thailand. Traditionally, these soups are served as part of a larger meal, where their bold flavors provide a sharp contrast to milder dishes. The spice blend captures the essence of Thai cooking, combining earthy, citrusy, and spicy notes that awaken the palate.

The blend should taste like a vibrant orchestra of flavors, where the citrusy zing of dried lemongrass and kaffir lime leaf meets the warm, earthy undertone of galangal, punctuated by the fiery heat of chili flakes. This mix is designed to be both a flavor enhancer and a seasoning that brings depth and complexity to the broth it's added to, transforming it into a fragrant and invigorating dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspdried lemongrass
  • 1 tbspgalangal powder
  • 1 tbspkaffir lime leaf — crumbled
  • 1 tspchili flakes
  • 1 tbspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a dry skillet, add 2 tablespoons of dried lemongrass, 1 tablespoon of galangal powder, 1 tablespoon of kaffir lime leaf, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Set the heat to medium-low and gently stir the spices with a wooden spoon. Toast them until the aroma becomes rich and the lemongrass turns a slightly deeper shade of yellow, indicating the release of essential oils.
  2. Once the spices are fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to prevent any residual heat from affecting the grinding process and to ensure the spices maintain their full flavor.
  3. Transfer the cooled spices to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt to the mix. Grind or combine the ingredients until they form a uniform texture, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the blend.
  4. Once ground, transfer the Tom Yum Spice Blend into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any moisture from compromising the blend's quality.
  5. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to protect the spices from light and heat, which can diminish their potency. For the best aroma and flavor, use the spice blend within a few months.
Cover of Authentic Thai Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Thai Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Thai Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Thai volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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