Introduction to Soups

Thai soups must be the easiest of all these quick and easy Thai dishes to prepare. Most of the work happens on the stove during a simmering session, not even a very long one when compared to soup-making in the West. Once you have cut up some meat, sliced a few green onions, or whacked a stalk of lemongrass to release its perfume, you assemble the players in a pot and leave them to it. You are free to read, or peel a mango, or refill the sugar bowl, but do not pick up the telephone or try to nap; you will not have time. Most Thai soups come together so fast that you will want to put the rice on first, and leave any additions of lime juice or scattering of cilantro and green onion for the last minute. Those aromatic touches should come right before serving, when the soup is steaming hot.