Asian Coconut-Cabbage Soup with Lemongrass
© Richard Jung
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Serves : 4
By Suvir Saran and Stephanie Lyness
September 2001

For a soup that's not strictly vegetarian but with more Southeast Asian flavor, replace 3 tablespoons of soy sauce with an equal amount of fish sauce. Plus: More Soup Recipes and Tips

Ingredients

  • About 14 cups water
  • 6 ounces dried rice-stick noodles
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 stalks lemongrass—top third discarded, tough outer leaves trimmed, smashed lightly and cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Heaping 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • Salt
  • 1 small head napa cabbage, sliced crosswise 1/3 inch thick (5 packed cups)
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
  • 2 1/2 cups small cilantro leaves and sprigs

How to Make It

Step 1    

Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the rice noodles and let soak until the noodles are softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2    

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the ginger and lemongrass and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 6 cups of water, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, soy sauce and crushed pepper and season with salt. Lower the heat, cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3    

Add the cabbage and coconut milk and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Add the noodles, ladle the soup into bowls and serve with the lime wedges.

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