SHRIMP AND BROWN RICE SOUP

Steps:

• Mix together the shallot, half the garlic, the pepper, 1 tablespoon of the fish sauce and the shrimp. Set aside.
• Combine the remaining garlic and the lemon grass in a mortar and pestle, and grind to a paste. Alternatively, mince in a mini-chop.
• Combine the water or stock and water, remaining fish sauce and rice in a soup pot, and bring to a boil. Stir in the garlic and lemon grass paste, and reduce the heat. Taste the water and add salt if desired. Cover and simmer 40 minutes until the rice is tender.
• Heat the oil over high heat in a wok or skillet, and add the shrimp mixture. Stir-fry until the shrimp begins to turn pink, about one minute. Add one ladleful of liquid from the soup pot, stir together, then transfer the contents of the wok or pan to the soup. Bring back to a simmer, and simmer five minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Serve, garnishing each bowl with cilantro, chopped peanuts, bean sprouts and chilies if desired. Have guests squeeze lime into their bowls.