1/4cuppacked fresh basilroughly chopped (more for serving)
8ozrice noodlescooked al dente per package instructions
toppings: additional fresh basil and lime wedges
Instructions
Bring a large Dutch Oven to medium-high heat. Add butter and let melt; swirl to coat the pan. Add garlic & onion and move around the pan until garlic is fragrant and onion has softened, about 1-2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, coconut milk, red curry paste, lime zest, lime juice, bell pepper, potato, carrots, mushrooms, ginger, lemongrass, garlic chili paste, fish sauce, kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir to combine. Let simmer 10-15 minutes or until veggies are firm, but soft.
Add shrimp and basil. Stir and cover; let cook 3-5 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked.
Meanwhile, cook rice noodles to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Taste the soup and add additional salt, lime juice or basil - as desired.
Add rice noodles to a bowl and ladle the coconut curry soup over top. Garnish with additional basil and lime wedges.
Notes
Red Curry Paste: I used the Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste because it really doesn't carry much heat with it - SO if you use another brand I would recommend adding it a little at a time so you can reach your desired flavor/heat level.
Chicken: you can easily sub in approx. 1 lb of cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast for the shrimp. I would actually cook the chicken first in some olive oil or butter (season with salt and pepper). Cook it pretty much all the way through (or use rotisserie chicken) and then transfer to plate and set aside. Add it back to the pot in step 3 with the mushrooms.
Shrimp: feel free to leave the tails on to add more flavor OR remove them beforehand for easier eating - up to you! Just be sure not to over-cook!
Rice Noodles: I like to cook my noodles separately - if you prefer to cook them in the soup, then go for it! Do what works best for you.
Storage: store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.