Great Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Samar Machu, more often known as the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe, is a sour soup cooked with limes and the ubiquitous Southeast Asian ingredient tamarind.

I opted for beef instead of the more common chicken that often accompanies it. Vegetables, including shallots, lime leaves, ginger, and even pineapple pieces, are the soup’s primary foundational ingredients. This is a wonderful Cambodian Sour Soup recipe. The Khmer seem to like sour tastes over all others, since there are several regional adaptations of sour-flavored dishes.

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The components used in Cambodian Sour Soup recipes might vary greatly from region to region. Lemongrass, galangal, cilantro, and other regional herbs, green onions, fish sauce, sugar, chilies, and a variety of meats are common ingredients. Tamarind and/or lime are often used to provide the sour taste. The recipe calls for lime juice.

So, what does Cambodian sour soup taste like?

I won’t lie and say that it was precisely what I expected to be served. Even though the meat portion was somewhat less than I had hoped for, I’d call this more of a shallot soup than a beef or chicken one. In essence, the flavor was somewhat acidic, and I personally found the lime leaves to be overpowering.

3 Reasons People Love the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

1. Bold and tangy flavor: The inclusion of tamarind paste, lime juice, and other souring ingredients gives the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe its signature robust and acidic taste. Umami-rich components like fish sauce and shrimp paste counteract the sourness.

2. Healthy and nutritious: Vegetables, herbs, and lean proteins like shrimp or fish make up the bulk of the components in traditional Cambodian sour soup, which is also known as amok. It’s an excellent choice for people seeking to monitor their weight or adopt a healthy diet since it’s low in calories and fat.

3. Quick and easy to make: Making a Cambodian Sour Soup recipe is a breeze and can be done in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and uses items that can be bought in almost any supermarket.

How To Make Our Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Ingredients: (8 servings)

8 cups of water or chicken broth
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 thumb-size piece of ginger, sliced
1-2 pounds of meat or seafood (chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish), sliced
1-2 cups of mixed vegetables (green beans, tomatoes, okra, eggplant, cabbage, carrots)
1-2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
2-3 tablespoons of fish sauce
1-2 tablespoons of sugar
2-3 red chilies, sliced
Handful of fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, or mint)
Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the lemongrass, onion, garlic, and ginger. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.

2. Add the meat or seafood and cook until just cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

3. Add the vegetables to the pot and cook until tender.

4. Add the tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Return the cooked meat or seafood to the pot and let simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

6. Remove the lemongrass stalks and discard. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Nutritional Information For the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Calories: 140
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 700mg
Potassium: 400mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Ladle

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Leftover Cambodian sour soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm over low heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. It is not recommended to freeze the soup as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.

Substitutions For the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Protein: The traditional recipe calls for fish or shrimp, but you can substitute it with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Tamarind: If tamarind pulp is not available, you can use lime juice or rice vinegar to add the sour flavor to the soup.
Vegetables: You can use a variety of vegetables in this soup, depending on your preference and availability. Some good options include spinach, kale, bok choy, zucchini, and green beans.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil are commonly used in Cambodian sour soup, but you can also use dried versions of these herbs or substitute with other herbs like parsley or dill.
Spices: If you can’t find some of the spices used in the recipe, you can substitute them with similar spices. For example, instead of using galangal, you can use ginger. And if you can’t find lemongrass, you can use lemon zest.

Substitutions For the Vegetarian Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Protein: As mentioned earlier, you can substitute fish or shrimp with tofu or tempeh to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
Broth: Instead of using chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water to make the soup vegetarian.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a common ingredient in Cambodian sour soup, but you can use soy sauce or tamari to add the salty flavor to the soup.
Vegetables: Vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage work well in the soup and add a lot of flavor.
Sour flavor: Instead of using tamarind pulp, you can use lime juice or rice vinegar to add the sour flavor to the soup.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This soup comes together quickly, so having everything ready to go will make the process smoother.
Use homemade broth if possible. A good broth is the foundation of any soup, and homemade broth will add a lot of flavor to your Cambodian sour soup.
Adjust the sourness level to your taste. Some people prefer a more sour soup, while others prefer a milder flavor. Taste the soup as you go and adjust the tamarind pulp or lime juice accordingly.
Add the fish sauce at the end. Fish sauce can be quite pungent, so it’s best to add it at the end of the cooking process, after you’ve tasted the soup and determined how much saltiness it needs.
Top with fresh herbs and chili flakes. The fresh herbs and chili flakes add a lot of flavor and color to the soup. Be sure to sprinkle them on top just before serving.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Steamed rice: Cambodian sour soup is typically served with steamed rice on the side. The rice helps to soak up the soup and adds some texture to the meal.
Spring rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and herbs make a great appetizer or side dish for this soup.
Mango sticky rice: For dessert, try serving mango sticky rice. The sweet and creamy rice pairs well with the tangy and spicy flavors of the soup.
Coconut ice cream: Another great dessert option is coconut ice cream. The creamy and refreshing flavor pairs well with the heat of the soup.

How To Serve the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
Top each bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint.
Sprinkle with chili flakes for added heat.
Serve with steamed rice on the side.

FAQs About the Cambodian Sour Soup Recipe

What is the origin of the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe?
Cambodian sour soup, also known as “somlaw machu,” is a traditional dish that originated in Cambodia. It is a staple food in Cambodian cuisine and is often served with rice or noodles.

What are the key ingredients in the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe?
The key ingredients in Cambodian sour soup include fish, vegetables, and souring agents such as tamarind or lime juice. Other ingredients may include lemongrass, galangal, chili peppers, and herbs like cilantro or basil.

How is Cambodian sour soup traditionally served?
Cambodian sour soup is traditionally served as a main dish accompanied by rice or noodles. It can be eaten as a standalone meal or shared as part of a family-style feast.

Can Cambodian Sour Soup recipes be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, Cambodian sour soup can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting the fish with tofu or other vegetarian protein sources. Vegetable broth can also be used instead of fish broth.

How long can Cambodian sour soup be stored in the refrigerator?
Cambodian sour soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheating the soup before serving is recommended to ensure that it is heated evenly throughout.

Final Thoughts

One of the most memorable aspects of my exciting journey in Cambodia was the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe. As a tourist who fell in love with this delicious dish, I can’t say enough good things about it to anybody looking for something different and delicious to eat. This is why.

I was immediately taken aback by the exquisite harmony of flavors in a bowl of the Cambodian Sour Soup recipe. The inclusion of tamarind gives this soup its distinctive sour flavor, which is both tempting and mouth-puckering. The soup’s tastes are incredibly harmonized, with the umami-rich notes of fish sauce complementing the subtle sweetness of palm sugar.

The dish’s amazing array of ingredients is another reason I fell in love with Cambodian Sour Soup recipe. The bright colors and contrasting textures of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, pineapple, and morning glory come from the way their individual tastes complement the tart broth. Soups made with protein-rich ingredients like fish or shrimp are complete meals in themselves.

The aromatic herbs and spices used to make Cambodian Sour Soup recipes take it to the next level. The soup is transformed into a fragrant treat with the addition of aromatic herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The soup is a sensory delight because to the combination of herbs and spices used to prepare it.

The comforting and warming qualities of Cambodian sour soup are hard to forget. The acidic taste of the soup is invigorating, and the warm, comforting broth is like an embrace. This meal, with its contrasting feelings of sourness and warmth, is perfect for warming up with on a chilly night or after a day of adventuring.

Cambodian Sour Soup recipe are a delectable hidden treasure of a dish that demands to be sought out and enjoyed. The dish’s expert taste balancing, exquisite variety of ingredients, aromatic herbs and spices, and soothing heat will leave you charmed and wanting more. So go ahead and give in to your cravings for Cambodian sour soup; it will take your taste buds on a trip they won’t soon forget.

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