Vegan Tom Yum Soup

A warming, fragrant soup filled with fresh vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, crispy tofu, coconut milk, lemon, ginger and herbs.

Serves: 6–8
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 jar vegan Tom Yum paste
• 1 & 1/2 large lemon rind grated into soup
• Juice of 1½ lemons
• Vegetable stock, enough to cover the vegetables—approximately 1.5 - 2 litres
• Pumpkin cubed
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 10 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 1 bunch broccolini, chopped
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 generous handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
• ½ cup coconut milk
• Firm tofu, cubed and air-fried until golden

Method

1. Prepare the tofu by cutting it into cubes and air-frying or pan frying until golden and lightly crisp. Set aside.
2. Place a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion with a small splash of vegetable stock and cook for 3–5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the garlic, fresh ginger and ground ginger. Cook for another minute, stirring regularly.
4. Stir in the vegan Tom Yum paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release its flavour.
5. Add the pumpkin, carrot, zucchini, shiitake mushrooms and celery.
6. Pour in enough vegetable stock to generously cover the vegetables. Add the grated lemon rind and stir well.
7. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin and carrot are nearly tender.
8. Add the broccolini and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until it is cooked but still vibrant.
9. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the coconut milk, lemon juice, basil and most of the coriander. Add the crispy tofu.
10. Taste the soup and adjust with additional lemon juice, Tom Yum paste or vegetable stock if needed.
11. Finish with the remaining fresh coriander and extra basil leaves.

Tip: For crispier tofu, keep it separate and add it to each bowl immediately before serving.