Healing Lemongrass & Mushroom Broth

⭐️ Why You Should Try It

• Just 20 minutes of prep time. This broth is effortless to make and requires seven simple ingredients. It’s quick yet delicious.
• A warm soup for the soul. If you’re not feeling your best, this soup might be the perfect remedy to help warm you up. It’s light yet flavorful. The earthy mushrooms, combined with the citrusy ginger and lemongrass, make this broth incredibly warming.
• Simple ingredients. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences and uses only easily accessible ingredients.

📘 What is Lemongrass & Mushroom Broth

This recipe is inspired by a Vietnamese soup called “Nấm Hấp Sả.” As opposed to many Vietnamese soups that are rich and spicy, this soup is light and delicate. The broth is infused with lemongrass and ginger and served with different kinds of mushrooms.

🍄 Ingredient Notes

This easy lemongrass broth requires just 7 simple ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• Lemongrass – For lemony and floral notes. Use fresh lemongrass stalks and slightly crush them with a pestle to release their flavors.
• Ginger – Use fresh ginger for a citrusy and piquant aroma.
• Mushrooms – Any mushroom will work. You can use cremini, shiitakes, clamshell, chanterelles, or even oyster mushrooms.
• Maple syrup – Or sugar. To balance the spiciness of this dish. You can use maple syrup, agave, or honey if you are not vegan.
• Lime juice – Lime juice helps elevate the overall flavor by bringing freshness and tanginess.
• Salt and black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor of the soup. It brings spiciness and earthiness.

🥣 How to Make It

1. Slice the lemongrass. Cut off the green part of the lemongrass stalks and discard it. Mince one stalk and slice the remaining three stalks in halves. Slightly crush the halved lemongrass stalks using a cleaver or the side of a large knife. This will help release the natural oils of the lemongrass.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced lemongrass and ginger, and sautée for about 1 minute. 
3. Add the mushrooms. Next, add the mushrooms and sauté for another 3-5 minutes.

4. Cover with water. Pour in water, salt, and a teaspoon of maple syrup. For extra lemongrass flavor, add the crushed lemongrass stalks.
5. Let simmer. Simmer covered for about 15 minutes. At the end of cooking, stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
6. Serve. Serve the broth piping hot with fresh cilantro and a crack of ground black pepper!

🥬 Add-ins

The soup is already comforting and delicious, but if you want to take it to the next level, try adding some extra ingredients like:

• Your favorite vegetables – Greens like pak choi, romaine lettuce, bean sprouts, or baby spinach work well with the ginger lemongrass soup. Steamed potatoes are a great choice as well to make it heartier.
• Noodles – Add ramen noodles or rice noodles for a more filling meal.
• Plant-based protein – Add vegan sausages, shredded vegan chicken, or tofu to the soup before or after cooking for a protein boost.
• Chili flakes, chili paste, or saté – For more heat.

🥖 What to Serve It With

Although this nourishing broth is delicious as is, you can complete it by pairing it with a serving of rice, noodles, or baguette. It is the perfect combination to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul!