Morning Hue Soup | RICARDO

Ingredients

• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 stalks lemongrass (white part only), coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh ginger, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) roasted chili paste (optional see note)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sambal oelek
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fish sauce (nuoc mam)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar or palm sugar
• 8 cups (2 litres) chicken broth
• 2 slices ham hock, without the rind (optional)
• 1/2 lb (250 g) round Asian noodles, cooked (or Udon noodles)
• 1/2 lb (225 g) sliced beef fondue, halved
• Crab meat, to taste (optional)
• Bean sprouts
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Thai basil leaves
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Roasted chili paste (optional)