• Tom Yum paste consists of fresh herb ingredients that are ground together using a mortar and pestle (or in a food processor for an easier version). The Thai paste is traditionally used as a base to make a zingy Tom Yum soup but can also be used as a meat marinade or in stir-fries.  Here’s how to make a delicious Tom Yum paste that keeps for up to 3 weeks.

    SEE ALSO: Thai coconut prawns recipe

    Homemade Tom Yum paste recipe

    Serves: 1 small jar
    Cooking Time: 20 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
    • 6cm piece fresh galangal or ginger, peeled
    • 3 makrut lime leaves, thinly sliced
    • 5ml (1 tsp) nam prik pao (Thai roasted chilli paste)
    • 3 – 4 red chillies
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce
    • juice of 2 limes
    • 1 small red onion or shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
    • 2,5ml (½ tsp) sugar
    • small handful fresh coriander, leaves and stalks

    Instructions

    1

    Place all of the ingredients in a mortar and pestle and grind until a chunky paste forms. For the speedier option, place the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blend to form a paste.

    2

    Place in a sterilised glass jar and keep in the fridge for 2 – 3 weeks.