Tom Yum (spicy Thai Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp or chicken, cut up
• 4-5 kaffir lime leaves
• 1/4 cup tomato, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups water
• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4-5 tablespoons fish sauce
• 7-8 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons red chili peppers, freshly ground (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste, in soy bean oil (Thai name — Nam Prik Pao, can be found in Asian grocery store)

Directions

1. 1

   Pour water into medium saucepan and place over high head on stove; bring to boil and add Kaffir lime leaves & lemon grass; cook for 2 minutes.

2. 2

   Reduce to low heat, add fish sauce, lime juice, fresh ground red chili, and chili paste in soy bean oil.

3. 3

   Add mushrooms & tomatoes; cook for several minutes.

4. 4

   Add shrimp or chicken.

5. 5

   Turn heat to high, do not stir.

6. 6

   When shrimp or chicken is cooked, continue to cook for 2 minutes more.

7. 7

   Serve with hot rice.