ASIAN TSUNAMI FUSION SOUP

Steps:

• Cut chicken up into large pieces (remove skin & fat and discard the liver, gizzard, heart, neck) and put into a large pot with stock; bring to a boil and then a low simmer for about 30+ minutes (make sure chicken is cook thoroughly); discard scum on top
• Split shrimp slightly lengthwise; place in a bowl with baking soda & a little water and let sit for 10 minutes; place shrimp in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute; when shrimp turns pink remove (do not overcook);set aside
• Place rice noodles in a pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes, drain; set aside; (If using small individual packages of rice noodles cook just before serving and place in large individual bowls)
• Remove chicken pieces and allow to cool; then remove the meat from the bone and cut up into bite size pieces; set aside
• Run stock through a sieve and retain approximately 4 1/2 cups
• Add to stock a large pot and then curry paste, coconut milk, lemon, ginger, cornstarch & water slurry, stir and bring to a boil; then lower heat to a simmer
• Add chicken pieces into pot and simmer 3 minutes
• Add red/green chopped peppers and stir a few times, cook 1 minute
• In big individual bowls add rice noodles, chicken and stock; then on top and around the sides add some shrimps, bean sprouts, egg quarters, cashews, red/green peppers and 6 or more basil leaves
• On individual side plates, have extra lemon wedges, bean sprouts, and basil leaves on stems
• Get out your digital camera and take a photo... then enjoy!
• Notes:
• 1)This soup is similar to Soto Ayam (Chicken Soup from Malaysia) and is typical of many soups found at hawker stalls/stands on the streets in southeast Asia; This recipe uses a commercial brand curry gravy; If the brands noted above are not available, substitute curry powder and spices to taste; For ideas on spices and amounts do a search on the Internet "Malaysia Singapore Curry Recipes"
• 2)This soup is medium hot using the curry paste brands, so if desired use less curry paste to taste