Thai Cleansing Broth

In 2006 I made a soup for those that were doing Strathpuffer that year.  Such has been the demand for the recipe I have decided to publish it! It was already in a book, but I varied it a bit....it serves 4 if you eat like a girl or one if you eat like G'man.   The base soup can be varied with different meats or not so you don't have to stick to it.  I have used chicken and fish as well as the king prawns.

3 sticks fresh lemon grass if dried soak it over night in water, 2 small fingers (David size not Brian size) of peeled and crushed fresh ginger, 6 limes leaves, 2 pints stock (chicken or veg), 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar, 4-6 tablespoons fish sauce, veggies you can leave this out, juice of 2 limes, 2 large king prawns per person or not if you are veggie - you get the idea, ahandful of fresh coriander and basil, 2 fresh red chillies sliced, 1 red pepper sliced and 4 spring onions.

Bash the lemon grass, ginger and lime leaves in a pestel and mortar or just blend if you don't have one.  You should get one as they are great for making carrot and cumin soup but that's for another day. Pop in the pot with the stock and simmer for 2 mins.  Add the honey, fish sauce, lime juice and then the prawns and bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.  Remove the prawns and pop in the bowls and then divide the fresh herbs in the bowls, along with the sliced peppers, red chillies and spring onions and pour the soup over.

Now you will be able to breath again!