tom kha kai
january 26, 2004
although this soup doesn't look nearly as luscious as the mexican tortilla soup, it's every bit as goooooood. perhaps it's the way the white coconut milk broth disguises itself as something bland or perhaps it's because of the minimal visual ingredients that the eye sees - people usually don't know how tasty it is until they have had the thai coconut chicken soup - also known as tom kha kai. it's the taste buds that does a song and dance once the tart lime taste combined with the coconut milk swirls about inside your mouth.
i was really beat when i got home today from my first day at the new work location. the commute was rougher than the one i had, the fax machine and the scanner both didn't work at my desk, i can practically lick my monitor if i stuck out my tongue and overall, everything was just different. i guess there will always be a breaking in period at the new work location but if my desk set up doesn't feel comfortable, i have a hard time concentrating on work and being productive. hopefully my new monitor and docking station will come soon.
but when i got home, i really felt like having the tom kha kai soup for some reason and so i got out my ingredients and went at it. it's really amazing how the scent of comfort foods permeating through the air can change one's mood so much. when it was finally ready, i ladled up a small bowl and savored every spoonful. the lime, the garlic, the lemongrass, the ginger and coconut milk all infused together was exactly what i needed. the spiciness gradually compounded with every bite. i don't know what's more cathartic - cooking or eating?
now i feel relaxed. calm. almost sedated. and that's good because i have a lot on my mind right now.
because i'm a proud aunty - isn't she the cutest? and she must be a dog lover! yay!
