We discovered Khao Poon Soup during our first trip to Luang Prabang, famous for its blend of traditional Lao houses, stunning Buddhist monasteries, and colonial architecture left behind by the French. Khao Poon, also known as Lao Laksa, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Laos. The soup is particularly popular among the Hmong people, an indigenous group living in the mountainous regions of Northern Laos.
Ingredients for 7-8 servings:
- 1 whole organic chicken (or 1.2 kg chicken thighs)
- 3 litres cold water
- 2 stalks lemon grass, crushed
- 5-6 kaffir lime leaves
- 5-6 slices galangal
- 1 garlic bulb, cut in half
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1.5 or 2 tablespoons red curry paste (depending on your taste preferences)
- 1 red bell pepper, skinned off and chopped
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
- 1 cup bamboo shoots
- 400 gr thin rice noodles (50 gr per person)
- 1 cup shredded white cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- Green onion, cilantro, basil, mint, red chili pepper and lime slices for garnishing
