Sukanya`s recipes

🥣 Khao Tom Thale: History of Comfort
That dish is known in Thai as Khao Tom Thale (or Khao Tom Ruam Mit Thale for mixed seafood). It is a classic example of how Chinese culinary traditions were adopted and adapted into a beloved Thai comfort food.

Here is the history of this premium rice soup:

1. The Ancient Origin: Chinese Congee

• Who: The concept of rice soup or porridge (known globally as congee or Jok in Thai) is ancient, originating in China thousands of years ago. It was a resourceful way to stretch rice supplies during lean times.

• The Difference: Thai Khao Tom is distinct from the thicker, broken-down Chinese Jok (porridge). Khao Tom is a rice soup—the rice grains are still mostly whole and swim in a clear, savory broth.

• Arrival in Thailand: This style of thin rice soup (and the thicker Jok) arrived in Thailand primarily through Chinese immigrants, particularly the Teochew dialect group, who settled heavily in Bangkok (especially Chinatown) and other major cities.

2. The Traditional Dish: Khao Tom (The Base)

• The Vibe: Khao Tom quickly became a staple in Thai homes and street stalls, often eaten for breakfast or as a late-night supper. It's considered the ultimate comfort food—easy to digest and traditionally used when someone is feeling unwell.

• Classic Proteins: The original versions used simple, available proteins like pork (Khao Tom Moo) or chicken (Khao Tom Gai). The broth is always intensely flavored with seasonings like white pepper, soy sauce, and fish sauce.

3. The Premium Evolution: Seafood (Thale) 🐟

• Coastal Influence: Given Thailand's long coastlines and abundant fresh catches, it was a natural evolution to use seafood.

• "Premium Mixed Seafood" (Thale): The "Premium Mixed Seafood" version—with shrimp, squid, fish slices, and sometimes oysters—developed to showcase the richness of the coastal ingredients. This version is especially popular in areas near the sea and in restaurants with a strong Chinese-Thai heritage.

In Short: Khao Tom Thale is the Thai adaptation of Chinese rice soup, made delicious and "premium" by incorporating the abundant fresh seafood found along Thailand's coasts, turning a simple porridge into a celebrated, comforting meal.

All recipes are naturally vegan and vegetarian friendly. Feel free to substitute any meat or animal products with plant-based alternatives to perfectly suit your dietary style.

Ingredients:

• Rice: 1 cup cooked Jasmine Rice (or 1/2 cup uncooked rice)

• Broth: 4-6 cups Chicken Broth (or water/vegetable broth)

• Seafood Mix: About 1 cup mixed, fresh seafood, such as:

  • Shrimp (Gung)

  • Squid/Calamari (Pla Meuk)

  • White Fish Fillet (Pla Nuea Khao)

  • Oysters (Hoi Nang Rom) - Optional, use fresh or pre-cooked

• Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)

  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper (Prik Thai Dam)

  • A pinch of salt (to taste)

• Garnish (The "Krueang"):

  • Chopped Cilantro/Coriander (Pak Chee Bai Yai)

  • Crispy Fried Garlic (Krathiam Jeow)

  • Sliced Ginger (optional)

  • A dash of ground White Pepper

Instructions (The Simple Way):

1. Prepare the Rice Broth: In a large pot, bring the broth (or water) to a boil. If using uncooked rice, simmer until the rice turns into a soft, slightly thick porridge. If using cooked rice, add it to the boiling broth and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the rice grains swell slightly and thicken the broth.

2. Season the Base: Season the rice broth with the fish sauce and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust. The soup should be mildly savory.

3. Cook the Seafood: Add the mixed seafood to the boiling broth. Since seafood cooks very quickly, simmer for just 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the fish/squid is opaque and cooked through. Do not overcook.

4. Serve: Ladle the rice soup (including the broth and seafood) into a bowl.

5. Garnish: Top immediately with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro, crispy fried garlic, and a dash of ground black pepper.

6. Optional Condiments: Serve with a small side dish of chopped chili and fish sauce (Prik Nam Pla) for those who want more spice and salt.

The Nurse's Strength: Sukanya's Path to Stability in Sweden

Sukanya Ruepongpattana, known as Kung, has spent over eleven years steadily building a life of purpose in Sweden, far from her native Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. She now lives in Hudiksvall, in the northern part of Sweden. Professionally, she is a dedicated nurse assistant, holding a critical role within the heart department of a hospital. Having successfully completed her nurse assistant training in Sweden, Kung has secured her permanent visa, ensuring stability for herself and her three children, who are successfully pursuing advanced studies.

The Financial Strain and A Powerful Decision

Despite her professional achievements, Kung's life was complicated by a challenging marriage. Her ex-husband, a Thai citizen who had obtained Swedish nationality, accumulated significant debt due to gambling and horse racing habits developed near his university. This immense financial pressure led to his abandonment of Kung and their three children.

Faced with this immense responsibility, Kung was forced to take sole charge of securing housing, managing all finances, and providing stability entirely through her hospital work. She made a powerful choice: she would not look back.

"When my children saw that their mother had separated from their father, but she was able to take care of all three children by herself, they didn't think I needed to go see their father in Chokchai," Kung recounts. Her unwavering strength became a silent, powerful lesson in self-reliance for her children.

A Legacy Dish: Mixed Seafood Boiled Rice

Kung's determination is rooted in her family's history of financial resilience, a history tied to a special recipe. The dish she shared—Mixed Seafood Boiled Rice—is the best seller of her family’s local business back in her Thai hometown, and it has long served as a vital financial support system.

The brilliance of the dish lies in its simplicity and profitability: it avoids complicated cooking, requiring only a large pot of boiled rice, which is then quickly topped with a variety of seafood, meat, eggs, and vegetables. This easy preparation yields excellent profit margins, proving that simple ideas, when executed well, can provide tremendous stability.

Finding Home and Happiness

Kung’s journey eventually led her back to her roots in Chokchai, where she met a new Swedish boyfriend. This new relationship marked a dramatic turn toward peace and shared support.

Her new partner provides unwavering support and care, transforming her daily reality. Kung no longer faces the paralyzing uncertainty and stress of managing everything alone. Her greatest relief is finding stability and belonging:

"My life is different because I don't have to move. I don't have to worry about where I'll live anymore. I have someone to take care of me. I have a home and a place to live."

Kung's story is a powerful testament to a mother's resolve. Her professional achievements, combined with the brave choice to remove her family from a toxic situation, have resulted in a new life defined by stability, happiness, and the support of a loving partner in Hudiksvall. She has not only survived a difficult experience but has built a thriving, secure future for herself and her three children in Sweden.