Kohlrabi and Kaffir Lime Soup Recipe – A Bright, Velvety Coconut Soup with Fresh Herbs & Citrus

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

15 minutes

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Kohlrabi and Kaffir Lime Soup Recipe

This Kohlrabi and Kaffir Lime Soup recipe blends aromatic vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and bright kaffir lime into a silky, flavour‑packed bowl perfect for light lunches, cozy dinners, or elegant appetizer courses. Featured on A Is For Apple 2, this recipe brings together kohlrabi, kaffir lime, carrots, and coconut milk to create a smooth, fragrant soup that’s wholesome, warming, and surprisingly simple to make at home.

The Inspiration

Drawing from Southeast Asian flavours and European vegetable purées, this dish reflects Robert Jewell’s signature ability to elevate everyday produce. Kohlrabi—a crisp, mild vegetable in the cabbage family—adds subtle sweetness and body when simmered and blended, while kaffir lime provides unmistakable citrus fragrance traditionally found in Thai soups and curries. During the episode Kaffir Lime & Kohlrabi, Robert highlights how this unexpected pairing creates depth, brightness, and creamy richness using coconut milk rather than heavy dairy. The aromatic bouquet garni, built with thyme, bay, cilantro, peppercorns, and lime leaves, infuses the broth with perfume and warmth. This soup is a harmonious fusion of herbal, citrus, and earthy notes that feels elegant yet accessible.

Ingredients

¼ cup (60ml) canola oil, divided
2 large celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, thinly sliced into half moons
1 kohlrabi bulb, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
3 cups (720ml) vegetable stock
Juice of 1 kaffir lime
1 ½ cups (360ml) coconut milk
1 thyme sprig
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon (5ml) black peppercorns
2 sprigs of cilantro
3 fresh kaffir lime leaves
1 cup (240ml) kohlrabi leaves, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons (45ml) white wine

Method

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat half the oil over medium-high heat.
Add celery, onion, garlic and carrot, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add kohlrabi, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add stock, lime juice and coconut milk and bring to a boil.
Place thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, cilantro and lime leaves in a piece of cheesecloth and tie with butcher twine to secure the ‘bouquet garni’.
Add ‘bouquet garni’ to the soup.
Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20-25, or until vegetables are tender.
Remove ‘bouquet garni’ and pour soup into a food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a medium size frying pan over high heat.
Once oil is hot, add kohlrabi leaves, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until soft.
Season with salt and deglaze with white wine.
Once wine has been absorbed by kohlrabi leaves, remove from heat.
Serve equal portions of soup, garnished with sautéed kohlrabi leave.

Serving Suggestions

Kohlrabi and Kaffir Lime Soup is a versatile dish ideal as a starter, light lunch, or elegant dinner course. Serve alongside crusty bread, toasted flatbread, or steamed rice for a more filling meal. This soup pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or tofu dishes featuring citrus or coconut. Its bright flavours also complement crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Gewürztraminer. For a visually striking presentation, drizzle a swirl of coconut milk on top, add micro‑herbs, or sprinkle with toasted cashews for crunch. Whether served in small bowls for a multi‑course dinner or in larger portions as a wholesome weeknight soup, this dish brings comfort and sophistication.

Final Thoughts

This Kohlrabi and Kaffir Lime Soup recipe celebrates the harmony of citrus, coconut, and tender vegetables in an elegant yet approachable way. With fragrant kaffir lime, creamy coconut milk, and the subtle sweetness of kohlrabi, the soup offers a unique twist on classic vegetable purées. Host Robert Jewell showcases how thoughtful technique—like using a bouquet garni and sautéed greens—can elevate simple ingredients into a dish that feels luxurious. Whether you’re exploring new flavours or seeking a refreshing soup to brighten a meal, this recipe delivers depth, balance, and aromatic beauty in every spoonful.

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