Nourishing Thai Coconut Soup

Tom Kah Gai or Thai Coconut Soup is one of my all time favourite soups. It’s the perfect blend of creaminess, tart acid, subtle sweetness and texture. I’ve made a few adjustments to the classic recipe to suit my family and my nutritional needs in menopause. The result is absolutely delicious!

As we navigate the complex journey of midlife (I’m looking at you menopause!), finding meals that are both delicious and nutritionally supportive becomes the main event. This reimagined Tom Kah Gai soup is more than just a soup—it's a bowl of healing, designed specifically for women like me who need a little protein and fibre boost in every meal, while still nourishing the rest of the family.

Why This Soup Matters for Midlife Nutrition

Oh the joys menopause brings! We have unique nutritional challenges as estrogen is declining. Our bodies are changing, metabolism shifts, and inflammation can become a constant companion. This soup is crafted as a delicious solution, combining:

• Protein-Rich Ingredients: Chicken breast and shrimp provide high-quality protein essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting metabolic health.

• Anti-Inflammatory Vegetables: Mushrooms, cauliflower, and red peppers are nutritional powerhouses loaded with antioxidants that help combat inflammation.

• Hormone-Balancing Components: Ingredients like coconut milk and ginger offer natural support for hormonal transitions.

Pro Tips

• Use full-fat coconut milk for maximum nutrient absorption

• You can adjust spice levels to your comfort but remember…spicy foods can trigger hot flashes.

• Prepare extra—this soup freezes beautifully for quick future meals

Storage and Meal Prep

• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Your future self will so appreciate this!

• Reheat gently to preserve texture and nutrients

Nourishing Thai Coconut Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 2” piece of ginger, sliced into rounds

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 piece of lemongrass, chopped into 1/2” pieces

• 1 tbsp red curry paste (more, if you like it spicy)

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 2 cans full fat coconut milk

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed

• 3/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 cup cauliflower florets (optional)

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced

• fresh lime juice, approx 2 limes or to taste

• salt, to taste

• Fresh cilantro to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. When oil is hot, add the 1 sliced onion, 2 sliced garlic cloves , ginger slices and lemongrass. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onion softens. Add the 1 tbsp curry paste and stir to coat the aromatics. About 2 minutes. Then add the 5 cups chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.

2. After about 20 minutes or when the chicken stock has reduced a little, use a slotted spoon to remove the ginger slices, garlic and lemon grass pieces. Do this as best you can. You don’t have to get them all out. Next, add in the 1 lb cubed chicken breast, 2 cans coconut milk. the 2 tbsp fish sauce and the 2 tbsp coconut sugar.

3. Gently simmer for 20 minutes. At the 10 minute mark, add the cauliflower as it will take a little longer to soften.

4. Next, add in the 8oz sliced mushrooms and the sliced red bell pepper, and the 3/4lb shrimp. Simmer for another 5minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lime juice.

5. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro.

   Enjoy!

---

Nourish yourself, one delicious spoonful at a time.

Ready to try this family-friendly, menopause-supporting meal? Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!

When you see how easy it is and how great it feels to nourish your body in midlife, you won’t ever go back to highly processed foods that are void of nutritional value. My 7-Day Meals for Menopause Guidebook will walk you through the menopause transition with ease. You’ll find dozens of delicious recipes, sneaky ways to hit your protein target and so much more to help you look and feel amazing.

Grab my FREE Ultimate Hormone Supporting Grocery Guide

Understanding which foods help manage inflammation and metabolic health and which foods hinder your efforts to feel like yourself again in this transitional season is so key. My free guide will show you the 20 ingredients that are always in my kitchen, why they matter and how you can easily incorporate them into your weekly diet.