The soup is said to be good for nursing mother because it is supposed to increase milk production. But by no means is the soup is reserved for nursing mothers. The core flavors of this soup, make it a very good platform for experimenting with other vegetables.
Tips and substitutions
Other vegetables that you can add are green beans, mushroom, and baby corn. Or add anything you want - hey it is your soup. Make it the way you like it.
But there is no way around the lemon basil. It makes the dish.
You can substitute fresh white fish or bonito flakes for the dried smoked fish.
Delicotta squash is not Thai, but it tastes very similar to Fuc Tong, the squash used in Thailand. You can also use other yellow colored squash. Zuchini is also not Thai, but it is a good substitute for the squash normally used.
In a blender or a mortar, grind pepper corn, shallots, shrimp paste, and dried fish together. Cut zucchini into thick piece at an angle. It should like a wedge of lime shape. Cut the squash the same way. Peel and devein shrimp. Clean and pick the leaves of lemon basil.
Boil 2-3 cups of water. Add the mixture to the water. Let boil. Add zucchini and delicotta squash. When you are about ready to serve, bring the soup to a boil. Add lemon basil, tum leung and shrimp. Turn off the heat immediately and let sit for 2 minutes or so. Serve hot.
