Prawn tom kha soup

Try making James Martin’s warming Thai prawn and coconut milk soup for an impressive meal for two.

Preparation method

1. For the soup, pour the coconut milk and chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to the boil.

2. Add the galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, red chillies and prawns and simmer over a low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the prawns are just cooked through.

3. Add about three-quarters of the lime juice and the fish sauce, to taste.

4. Meanwhile, place the rice vermicelli into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside to soak for 2-3 minutes, or until softened, then drain and refresh in cold water. Drain again and mix with the vegetable oil, the reserved lime juice and the mint and basil

5. Heat the oil in a deep heavy-based frying pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

6. Place the flour, cornflour and salt into a bowl and whisk in the sparkling water until just combined.

7. Coat the prawns in the batter, then carefully lower into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown.

8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the prawns from the pan and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

9. To serve, spoon the rice vermicelli into soup bowls, ladle on the soup and top with a deep-fried prawn.