After recently and repeatedly trying the coconut soup at Vientiane Lao-Thai cafe in West Philly, I determined I needed to try my hand in making something similar at home lest the restaurant run out of it on my accord. After picking up a can of light coconut milk from Mariposa Food Co-Op and fistfuls of local kale and 1/2 pound crimini and portobello mushrooms at the Clark Park Farmers’ market, I set to fashioning my version of veggie-filled soup.

The just-blanched crunch of the kale, which I tossed in at the last moment, was delicious paired with the chickpea miso-infused mushrooms, garlic and onions. Paprika is optional, but I loved how it changed the tint of the soup and added smoky flavor notes. This soup honestly does stray from the Vientiane version, and is undoubtedly missing “key” ingredients, but I still think it’s good enough to stand on its own and I entreat you to make it!

Mushroom-Coconut Soup

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

1/2 pound Crimini, portobello, or other mushrooms

1 large onion

1/2 Tbs chickpea miso

3 cloves garlic (more if that’s your thing)

1/2 Tbs coconut oil

1 can light coconut milk

1 tsp Paprika (optional)

4 large carrots

1 bunch kale

1 Tbs red pepper flakes (optional)

Broccoli florets (optional–I didn’t use)

Chickpeas (optional-I didn’t use)

Tofu (optional – I didn’t use)

Instructions:

Chop all produce ingredients. Cook the mushrooms, onions, and garlic in coconut milk, coconut oil and chickpea miso, paprika and red pepper flakes (if using), adding a little bit of water if needed. After 15 minutes on the stovetop, add in the carrots and cook another 3-4 minutes (I like crunchier carrots–feel free to cook longer). Toss in the kale right before serving. Enjoy!