Samlor Machu Kreung Recipe: How to Make Cambodia’s Spicy and Sour Lemongrass Soup
Samlor Machu Kreung is a flavorful and aromatic Cambodian soup known for its bold combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This dish is made with kreung (a traditional Cambodian spice paste), beef or pork ribs, and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and deeply satisfying taste.
It’s a staple of Khmer cuisine and is enjoyed both at home and in local restaurants. In this guide, we’ll take you through the history of Samlor Machu Kreung, its key ingredients, and a step-by-step recipe to make it at home.
What Is Samlor Machu Kreung?
Samlor Machu Kreung is a traditional Cambodian soup that balances sourness, spice, and umami flavors. The name “Samlor Machu” translates to “sour soup,” while “Kreung” refers to the fragrant spice paste used as the base of the dish. This soup is commonly prepared with beef or pork ribs, eggplants, morning glory, and other vegetables. It is often served with rice and is considered both nourishing and delicious.
The Cultural Significance of Samlor Machu Kreung
In Cambodian cuisine, soups play a significant role in daily meals, providing warmth and comfort. Samlor Machu Kreung is particularly special because of its bold, aromatic kreung paste, which represents the heart of Khmer cooking. The dish is commonly enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions and is known for its health benefits, thanks to the combination of lemongrass, turmeric, and galangal—all known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Key Ingredients for Samlor Machu Kreung
To achieve the authentic taste of Samlor Machu Kreung, you’ll need:
For the Kreung Paste:
- 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots
- 1-inch piece galangal, sliced
- 1-inch piece turmeric, sliced
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 small chili (optional for spice)
For the Soup:
- 500g beef or pork ribs, cut into pieces
- 6 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 tbsp prahok (fermented fish paste, optional but traditional)
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (for sourness)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1 medium eggplant, cut into chunks
- 1 handful morning glory (or substitute with spinach)
- 1 handful long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tomato, quartered
- Fresh basil or Thai basil for garnish
How to Make Samlor Machu Kreung at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Kreung Paste
- In a mortar and pestle (or blender), combine lemongrass, garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.
- Pound or blend into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water or beef broth to a boil.
- Add the beef or pork ribs and let them simmer for 10 minutes, skimming off any impurities.
Step 3: Add the Kreung Paste and Seasonings
- Stir in the kreung paste and mix well.
- Add fish sauce, prahok (if using), tamarind paste, and sugar.
- Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
- Add the eggplant and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the long beans and morning glory, cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
- Finally, add the tomato and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Preparing the Ingredients
Chop the lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. Then, sauté them in oil until they smell good. This step is important for the dish’s taste.
Making the Sour Soup
Next, add tamarind juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar to the pot. Stir well. This mix gives the soup its sour taste, a key part of Cambodian food.
Cooking the Beef to Perfection
Now, add the beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s tender. The cooking time depends on the beef cut. But make sure it’s fully cooked and tasty.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Sour Balance
Preparing a traditional Cambodian soup like Samlor Machu Kreung needs the right sour balance. This classic Khmer soup is famous for its perfect mix of flavors. To get it just right, use tamarind and lime. These add a nice tanginess.
To find the perfect balance, adjust the seasoning to taste. You might need more tamarind or lime juice. This way, you’ll make a delicious and authentic Cambodian soup.
When making Samlor Machu Kreung, use fresh and quality ingredients. Also, pay attention to cooking time. Follow these tips and use the right ingredients. You’ll make a classic Khmer soup that will impress everyone.
Serving Suggestions
Samlor Machu Kreung is a tasty Cambodian dish. It’s easy to make and pairs well with hot rice. This helps balance the flavors of the soup.
To make Samlor Machu Kreung, start by getting your ingredients ready. Then, cook the broth and add your favorite proteins and veggies.
Other great sides for Samlor Machu Kreung are fresh veggies and herbs. Try cucumbers, carrots, basil, and mint. These let everyone make their meal just right.
For a new dish, Samlor Machu Kreung is perfect. It goes well with beer and soft drinks too.
Here are some drinks that go well with Samlor Machu Kreung:
- Fresh coconut water
- Beer, such as Angkor Beer
- Soft drinks, like cola or lemon-lime soda
These drinks enhance the soup’s taste. They make the meal even better. By trying these tips, you can enjoy a true Cambodian dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing and reheating Samlor Machu Kreung leftovers is key. It keeps the taste and texture great. Always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Practices for Storage
Keep the container away from strong-smelling foods. This stops flavors from mixing. By doing this, your Samlor Machu Kreung stays fresh longer.
Reheating Tips for Flavor
Warm the soup over low heat when reheating. If it’s too thick, add broth or water. This keeps the flavor and texture just right, like it’s new.
Variations of Samlor Machu Kreung
The Samlor Machu Kreung is a favorite in Khmer cuisine. You can make it your own with many variations. Try avegetarian version with pumpkin, long beans, or mushrooms instead of beef.
This version keeps the bright, sour flavors we love. It’s a healthier choice without losing the taste.
You can also usechicken, pork, or seafood instead of beef. Just cook it right to make sure it’s perfect. Feel free to adddifferent spices and herbs like lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves. It makes the soup even better.
Whether you stick to the original or try something new, Samlor Machu Kreung is versatile. It lets you add your own twist. So, be creative and make thisauthentic Khmer soup your own!
