Tom Yum Gai (Hot and Sour Soup with Chicken)

I was proud of myself after I made this soup.

Corny, and a little weird, I know - but I went a little rogue when I made this dish (don't tell Ed) and it turned out GREAT!

What you need:

2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2 inch pieces and whacked a couple times with the back of your knife (to release the flavor)

4 c chicken broth

2 c water

3 tbsp.  tum yum paste (find it in the Asian food aisle)

1 chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie) thinly sliced

1 c shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 small tomatoes, roughly chopped 

1 lime (juice half, slice the other for garnish)

cilantro

optional: Thai chilies

Instructions:  Combine the first three ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat slightly and add the tum yum paste, stirring to combine.  Add the next 3 ingredients and heat through.  Garnish with lime slices and cilantro.