Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Infused Tom Yum Chicken Stew?
It is a vibrant twist on classic Tom Yum soup that combines citrus flavors with tender chicken, sweet yams, and kale in a slow cooker.
What cooking method is used for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a slow cooker.
How long does the chicken cook before adding the yams?
The chicken, broth, and aromatics should cook on low for 3 hours before the yams are added.
What type of chicken is best for this stew?
The recipe calls for six bone-in chicken breasts with the skin removed.
What citrus juices are used in the broth?
The broth is infused with freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly squeezed orange juice.
When should the kale and fresh herbs be added?
Stir in the chopped kale, Thai basil, and cilantro during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the slow cooker?
The lemongrass should be peeled and pounded until bruised; it can be broken in half if it does not fit in the slow cooker.
Are the kaffir lime leaves meant to be eaten?
No, you should discard the kaffir lime leaves and the lemongrass before serving the stew.
What should I serve with this Tom Yum chicken stew?
The stew can be enjoyed on its own or served with your choice of rice or noodles.
How many Thai chiles are needed for this recipe?
The recipe uses 5 Thai chiles with the stems removed.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is to combine lime juice, orange juice, tomatoes, onion, pepper, chiles, ginger, sauces, and paste in a food processor to create a chunky salsa-like mixture.
What temperature setting is used for the majority of the cooking time?
The stew is primarily cooked on the 'low' setting for the first 4.5 hours.
When do I increase the slow cooker heat to high?
Increase the heat to high for the final 30 minutes after adding the kale and herbs.
How much tom yum paste is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of tom yum paste.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, yams, and kale.
Is there soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How much fish sauce should be used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of fish sauce.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be one inch in size, peeled, and roughly chopped.
Do I need to peel the yams?
Yes, the yams should be peeled and cut into bite-size pieces.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 5 hours.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
Only 1/2 cup of water is added, as the citrus juices and vegetables provide additional liquid.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either Thai basil or fresh basil.
How much kale is used in the stew?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of kale with the stems removed and leaves chopped.
What is the consistency of the blended base?
The blended mixture of juices, vegetables, and spices should be chunky and well-blended, resembling a salsa.
What provides the spicy heat in this dish?
The heat comes from the 5 Thai chiles and the tom yum paste.
How many yams are needed?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of yams.
How do I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be seeded and roughly chopped before blending.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and delicious meal packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like kale and yams.
How much cilantro is added at the end?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped cilantro.
What is the main aromatic used in the broth?
The main aromatics include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, and tom yum paste.