# What you'll need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 pound ground chicken (or pork or turkey)
02 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
08 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
09 - 1 large egg
→ Soup Base
10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 - 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
12 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
13 - 3 cups chicken broth
14 - 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into large pieces
15 - 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
16 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
18 - 1 teaspoon sugar
19 - 7 ounces mushrooms, sliced
20 - 3.5 ounces baby spinach
21 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
22 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garnishes
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Sliced red chili (optional)
25 - Lime wedges
26 - Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine ground meat, garlic, shallot, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, soy sauce, white pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and egg in a large bowl. Mix until just incorporated.
03 - Shape mixture into 20–24 small meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set meatballs aside.
04 - In a large pot over medium heat, warm vegetable oil. Add Thai red curry paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
05 - Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Add smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, sliced ginger, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
06 - Stir in sliced mushrooms and bell pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
07 - Remove lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves from broth. Add baby spinach and baked meatballs; simmer for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and meatballs are thoroughly heated.
08 - Stir in lime juice. Taste, adjusting the seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice as necessary.
09 - Divide soup and meatballs among serving bowls. Top with chopped cilantro, sliced red chili, and lime wedges. Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles if desired.
