Khao Tom (Thai Rice Soup) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 cups pork stock or 6 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
2 large shallots, minced and crushed
1 celery, chopped fine
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces
1 1/4 cups cooked rice
1/2 lb minced ground pork
2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, rough chop
Optional garnish choices
firm tofu, cut into cubes (optional)
sliced scallion (optional)
1 sprig fresh cilantro, to taste (optional)

Preparation

In a large saucepan combine stock with gingerroot, shallots, lemon grass, rice and salt to taste.
Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until soup is a porridge-like consistency.
Remove and discard lemon grass. Add the pork, cilantro, fish sauce and lime juice and simmer 5 minutes more.
Garnish with scallions and cilantro.