SPICED SHRIMP SOUP

Spiced Shrimp Soup image

Yield Makes about 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound (about 26) medium shrimp (preferably with heads)
4 stalks fresh lemongrass, outer leaves discarded and root ends trimmed
6 cups water
1/4 cup finely chopped well-washed coriander roots and/or stems
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
a 1-inch cube peeled fresh gingerroot, cut into fine julienne strips
1/4 cup Asian fish sauce (preferably naam pla)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 small fresh red or green Thai chili or serrano chili, or to taste, seeded and sliced very thin (wear rubber gloves)
fresh coriander leaves, thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves, and small fresh red Thai chilies for garnish if desired

Steps:

Rinse shrimp well and shell, reserving shell and heads
Cut 3 lemongrass stalks into 1-inch sections and crush lightly with flat side of a heavy knife. In a saucepan combine crushed lemongrass with reserved shrimp shells and heads, water, coriander roots, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Strain broth through a fine sieve into another saucepan.
Thinly slice lower 6 inches of remaining lemongrass stalk, discarding remainder of stalk, and combine with broth and gingerroot. Simmer broth 5 minutes. Add shrimp and simmer 1 minute, or until shrimp are just firm to touch. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sliced chili.
Serve soup warm or at room temperature, garnished with coriander leaves, lime leaves, and chilies.