Lime in the Coconut

Easy, delicious, clean, but spectacular flavors are what this recipe is made of. Inspired by weekend lunch at Baan Thai in Waltham, I decided to make a recipe based on the flavors of one of my favorite Thai soups, Tom Kha Gai, which combines silky smooth coconut milk with the brightness of fresh lime juice.

Because I had some Alaskan cod still leftover from the Foodbuzz recipe contest, I decided to make the soup a slow-cooked fish soup.

The ingredients?

2 cans of coconut milk, none of that light stuff, please

juice of 2 limes

1 TSP lemongrass paste

1 habanero pepper, cut in half

handful of torn cilantro (not parsley, as pictured above )

2 cod filets

Since I had wine class until 9 last night, I started this meal in the morning by cutting the habanero in half and tossing that, along with the fish filets and lemongrass into the coconut milk. I let it all simmer together for about 20 minutes on low, then shut the heat off, waited until it cooled, and put it in the refrigerator until I got home from class.

When I arrived home, I started to gently heat the soup, making sure the fish was thoroughly cooked and the coconut milk was nice and hot, then squeezed the juice of the fresh limes in. Cooking changes the flavor of citrus, so in order to maintain the freshness of the lime, you want to add it at the last minute.

This broth was spicy, slightly tart, light but creamy, and the fish absorbed so much flavor. Next time I would add some julienned carrots and some other vegetable to make the soup a little heartier, but for last night’s late night dinner, this was just perfect, served with Travessia Vidal Blanc, which has been touted this week as a perfect Thanksgiving wine (it is!) but is also one of THE best wines with Thai food and anything coconut-based.

I had a great workout yesterday, getting myself ramped up for the official start of marathon training next week. Hanging out in the Healthworks steam room after made me think so much of our trip to Iceland (ummm my old posts are AWFUL!), which I still consider the best vacation ever. Even though it was freezing cold, there was something incredibly cozy about Iceland, not to mention gorgeous scenery and all of the relaxation in steam baths, saunas, hot pots, and the Blue Lagoon!

What is the best vacation you have ever taken?

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P.S. I used to think that Lime in the Coconut song was Lion in the Coconut 😉