Cannabis Ruderalis

Tom som
Place of originThailand
Associated cuisineThai
Serving temperatureHot
Main ingredientsseafood, chili paste
Ingredients generally usedkapi, shallot, coriander, tamarind, palm sugar, fish sauce
Similar dishesTom yum

Tom som (Thai: ต้มส้ม, pronounced [tôm sôm]) is a sour soup of Thai origin which usually contains seafood or chicken.

Etymology[edit]

The word tom means "boil", and som means "sour".[1]

History[edit]

The soup is typically made in northern Thailand.[2] According to Chumpol Jangprai, the Thai word "som" has traditionally been used to describe anything that is sour.[1]

Ingredients[edit]

According to Thai chef Bo Songvisava, the broth includes a sour ingredient such as sour tamarind (som makaam), bilimbi (taling pling), nipa palm vinegar (nam som jaak), or roselle flowers (dok krajieb sod) in a chili paste including krill paste (kapi), coriander root, fish sauce, and shallot.[1] Usually a seafood such as shrimp or fish or other meat such as chicken is added near the end of preparation time.[1]

Production method[edit]

The ingredients are simmered to make a broth, then often strained through a sieve or cheesecloth. Just before serving, small pieces of seafood or chicken are added and simmered just until cooked.[1][2]

Serving[edit]

Tom som soups are eaten as a meal, as part of a meal, or as aahaan kap klaem (drinking food).[2]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Grachangnetara, Mimi (7 March 2019). "Thai Soups Explained: Tom Kha, Tom Yum, Tom Kloang and Tom Som". Michelin. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Ricker, Andy; Goode, J. J. (2017). POK POK The Drinking Food of Thailand: A Cookbook. Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale. pp. 57–59. ISBN 9781607747741. Retrieved 2021-03-06.


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