A delightful and aromatic soup inspired by Thai flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering the flavors.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
Add the cabbage, carrot slices, celery sticks, mushrooms, lemongrass, and chili.
Cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Cover the saucepan partially to retain the heat while allowing some steam to escape.
Stir in the lime juice and basil leaves just before serving.
Adding the lime juice and basil at the end preserves their fresh flavors.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Pair the soup with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.