Thai Hot & Sour Shrimp Soup

Ingredients

1 c shrimp
3 1/2 c water
4 kaffir lime leaves
2 stalks lemongrass
2 from base only
1/2 c straw mushrooms
2 tb lime juice
3 tb fish sauce
1 ts thai curry paste
1 tb cilantro leaves

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the curry paste, lime leaves and lemongrass. Bring to a boil again and add shrimps and mushrooms. Cook just until the shrimps are done but not overcooked. Stir in fish sauce and remove from heat. Spoon the soup into a serving bowl and add lime juice, stir to mix well. Sprinkle chilies and cilantro leaves before serving. Serve hot with cooked rice. Makes 2 servings. NOTE: Boneless chicken pieces may be used instead of shrimps. Omit the chilies if desired. Additional fish sauce may also be added to the soup at the table.