Shrimp and Coconut Milk Soup with Ginger & Lemongrass

Ingredients

Yields: 4 servings
  • 4 stalks lemongrass
  • 5 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • ¼ cup ginger, minced
  • 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 12 each Jumbo prawns U-12 or U-15
  • 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
  • 1 whole onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 small leek, julienned
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 16 fresh basil Leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely sliced
  • 3 oz haricots vert, blanched and sliced into 1-inch lengths
  • 1 large tomato, blanched, peeled, seeded, diced

Directions

To prepare the broth, crush the lemongrass with the back of a knife or a cleaver, or use a mallet. Place in a large stockpot and add the coconut milk, celery, ginger, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, white wine, salt and pepper. Stir together and bring to a boil.

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion, carrot and leek over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add the strained coconut broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to barely a simmer and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the basil, chives, haricots verts, tomato, and return to a boil over high heat. Add shrimp. Adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Transfer to a tureen (or ladle directly into bowls if you prefer), and serve immediately.