HOT AND SOUR THAI SOUP

Hot and Sour Thai Soup image

Provided by Nicole Bredeweg

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 qt chicken broth
2 stick fresh lemongrass, sliced on a bias into 2" pieces
4 kaffir lime leaves or
4 tsp lime zest
1 inch piece of galangal or ginger, sliced
2 red chilies, sliced
1 1/2 tsp sugar
8 oz can of straw mushrooms, rinsed and halved
1 lb large shrimp, peeled, tails on
2 limes, juiced
2 green onions, sliced
1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

Steps:

1. Bring the stock to the boil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let the spices infuse the broth.
2. Uncover and add the fish sauce, sugar, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in the shrimp and cook for about 8 minutes until they turn pink. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice, green onions, and cilantro. Taste for salt and spices; you should have an equal balance of spicy, salty, and sour. It's a good idea to tell your guest's that the lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chilies are for flavor only and should be avoided when eating the soup.