We're back with another Local Matters meal

Alissa here, reporting back after completing my second monthly meal kit from the nonprofit Local Matters.

How it works: Order kits online and a bright green Veggie Van will deliver them for free within the I-270 outerbelt.

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• It's similar to HelloFresh or Home Chef but at a cheaper price of just $10 per meal.

This month's meal: Rice and a creamy Thai coconut soup with carrots, mushrooms, onion, bok choy and lots of curry.

💭 My thought bubble: The meals continue to be worth the cost, with fresh ingredients and good portions — but I continue to struggle with following the directions.

• Unlike last month , I didn't reach out for help this time.
• I diced up all the provided vegetables and proudly took a photo. But after sampling the finished soup, I realized I had made two grave mistakes.

Don't make the rookie mistake I did. Unfortunately, two of these ingredients should not be chopped.

Pro tip: Apparently, lemongrass' woody outer stalk must be removed before chopping. And lime leaves are added whole during the cooking process, for flavor, and then removed.

• 😬 Whoops . I tried.

Yes but: The soup still tasted great, despite the unexpected tough, chewy textures.

• I first tried it mixed with rice but found it more flavorful on its own.
• You can add a protein like tofu, chicken or shrimp, but it's perfectly tasty without it.

What's next: My third and final kit is a black bean pasta stir fry, so check back next month.

Order a meal kit

ICYMI: Check out the first month's meal, a Parmesan-and-mushroom Dutch baby