Wait! Don't leave! I'm not talking about Sandra Lee...I'm talking about Tom Yum soup that you can make from home in
minutes using prepared Tom Yum paste. You could grind the paste yourself, but save yourself the effort. Pre-made
Tom Yum paste is available in any well-stocked Asian (or specifically Thai) grocery store. In San Francisco, Calif. I
get mine at New May Wah Supermarket on Clement Street. I made some for dinner last night because I've been feeling under the weather. I'm so glad I did. That, plus a hot toddy, fixed me right up. Everyone should know this Tom Yum "cheat." It's quick, easy, and delicious.
Tom Yum (Thai Hot and Sour Soup)
Dissolve 4 tablespoons Tom Yum paste (Maesri brand) into 4 cups of simmering chicken stock. Cook 5-10 minutes.
Add half a pound of peeled and de-veined raw shrimp (tails on), 1 can of straw mushrooms, rinsed, and the juice of half a lime. (At this point you can also add a few inches of lemon grass stalk, crushed, and a slice or two of galangal. These additions are optional.)
Allow shrimp to heat through, and just before serving, swirl in 6 tablespoons of evaporated milk. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges and fish sauce. Serve hot jasmine rice on the side.
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