Golden Coconut Thai Soup

By: @mariehealthyhill Marie Hemphill

As the holiday season fades and winter settles in, it’s the perfect time to refocus on nourishing, wholesome meals. Golden Coconut Thai Soup is more than just a comforting dish—it’s a vibrant blend of flavors and nutritional all-star ingredients designed to fuel your body and warm your soul. Packed with immune-supporting vegetables, rich coconut milk, and zesty lime, this soup delivers a perfect balance of flavor and wellness in every spoonful.

Why This Soup Shines

Each ingredient in Golden Coconut Thai Soup is a nutritional all-star, contributing not only to its delicious taste but also to its incredible health benefits:

• Red Bell Peppers: Bursting with Vitamin C (twice as much as an orange by weight) to boost immunity and support glowing skin. Packed with antioxidants, they help protect cells and promote eye health.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots support vision, skin health, and a strong immune system.
• Broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s a natural detoxifier that also supports bone health.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories and high in B vitamins, mushrooms help with energy production and immune support. They also provide selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
• Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory that aids digestion, reduces nausea, and warms the body from the inside out.
• Lime Juice: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, lime juice boosts immunity and adds a zesty brightness that balances the soup.
• Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats that promote brain health and sustained energy while creating a creamy, dairy-free base.
• Curry Paste: Depending on the type, curry paste contains a mix of spices like turmeric, which fights inflammation, and chili peppers, which boost metabolism and circulation.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A flavorful oil rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Each bite of this soup is a step toward better health, brought to life by a symphony of nutritional all-stars.

Curry Paste Varieties and Health Levels

When shopping at Whole Foods or a similar grocery store, you’ll typically find three main types of Thai curry paste. Each has its own unique flavor profile and heat level, as well as some noteworthy health benefits:

1. Yellow Curry Paste

• Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet with a warm, turmeric-forward flavor.
• Heat Level: Mild.
• Health Benefits: Rich in turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger, which supports digestion.

2. Red Curry Paste

• Flavor: A medium-spicy blend with smoky, slightly sweet undertones.
• Heat Level: Medium.
• Health Benefits: Contains chili peppers that boost metabolism and circulation, along with lemongrass and garlic for immune support.

3. Green Curry Paste

• Flavor: Herbaceous and the spiciest of the three, with bold cilantro, basil, and green chili flavors.
• Heat Level: Spicy.
• Health Benefits: High in fresh herbs, providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

When choosing curry paste, consider both your spice preference and the added nutritional benefits each variety offers.

Golden Coconut Thai Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1/2 medium onion, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped 
• Optional: 1 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass

Spices & Seasoning

• 1/4 cup curry paste (yellow shown)

Veggies

• 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, halved
• Optional: Additional veggies like green beans, bok choy, or sweet potatoes

Protein Options

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• or 16 oz tofu

Liquid Base

• 4 cups bone broth
• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Juice of 1 lime

Garnish Options

• Fresh cilantro
• Thai basil
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chili oil or red chili flakes
• Chopped cashews
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Start with Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, stirring until fragrant. Toss in sliced onions and cook until softened. Stir in curry paste, coating the onions evenly.

2. Cook the Veggies

Add red bell peppers and carrots. Stir and cook until slightly softened.

3. Build the Base

Pour in the broth, coconut milk, and coconut aminos. Stir to combine. Add chicken or tofu, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes (until the chicken is cooked through).

4. Finish with Veggies

Add broccoli, mushrooms, and any additional vegetables. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until all veggies are tender.

5. Brighten the Flavor

Squeeze in lime juice and season with sea salt to taste. Adjust lime and salt as needed for balance.

6. Serve & Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of chili oil, or an extra squeeze of lime can take this soup to the next level.

Comfort in Every Spoon

Golden Coconut Thai Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of health, warmth, and vibrant flavors. With every ingredient playing the role of a nutritional all-star, this dish is as good for your body as it is comforting to your soul.

Whether you’re embracing a post-holiday reset or simply looking for a flavorful and nourishing winter meal, this soup is a must-try. It’s light yet filling, wholesome yet indulgent, and perfect for curling up with on a chilly night.

Save this recipe and share it with a friend who needs a little warmth in their day!