Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 6 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 heaping tablespoon tom yam hot and sour paste
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped, optional
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bottom, inner part only, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
• 2 to 3 small jalapenos or fresh red or green chiles, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons, straw or button mushrooms, halved or quartered
• 1 pound (2-ounce) peeled, raw shrimp
• 5 (1-inch) pieces small scallions, sliced thin
• 1 bunch cilantro, leaves chopped

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat chicken stock, tom yam paste, lime leaves, lemon grass, lime juice, fish sauce, chiles, and sugar. Once it has come to a boil, add mushrooms and simmer for 2 minutes. Add shrimp and scallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the shrimp to cook but still be tender. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately. Place extra cilantro on the table for people to add more.