Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Trim the bottom of the lemon grass, and remove tough layers. Using a food processor or Japanese or French mandoline, slice the bottom 3 or 4 inches of the stalk tissue-thin.

2. Step 2

   Bring the stock to a boil. Add lemon grass and sliced lime leaves, and boil one minute.

3. Step 3

   Add the mushrooms, and simmer until mushrooms have softened, 2 or 3 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Add the shrimp, chilies and fish sauce, and cook until shrimp are just done. (Do not overcook the shrimp.)

5. Step 5

   Stir in the lime juice, tasting as you add. Serve, sprinkled with cilantro and the 4 whole lime leaves.