Thai Hot and Sour Soup

Packed with exotic flavor and spice, this simple chicken soup is an excellent starter to a Thai style dinner.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon tom yum paste
1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 stalks lemon grass, chopped
2 kaffir lime leaves
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast
halves - shredded
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chopped green chile pepper
1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped
1 sprig fresh basil, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Stir in the tom yum paste and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves. Place the chicken in the saucepan, and cook 5 minutes, or until no longer pink and juices run clear.
2. Mix in the mushrooms. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and green chile pepper. Continue cooking until well blended. Remove from heat, and serve warm with the coriander and basil.