Khao Tom Thai Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 shallots, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 (5-inch) pieces lemongrass, halved lengthwise
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 3/4 cup short-grain rice
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce, plus more to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon juice from 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions
• 1 Thai bird chile, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound firm tofu
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought fried shallots (optional)

Directions

1. In a pot combine stock, shallots, lemongrass, garlic, and rice and bring to a simmer. Cook until soup is thickened and rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to low Remove lemongrass and discard.
2. Add ground pork and stir, breaking up the pork, until pork is fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Add fish sauce, a pinch of salt, and lime juice. Stir in half of cilantro, half of scallions, half of chili, and all of the tofu. Add more fish sauce and salt to taste.
3. Divide soup between bowls, then top with remaining cilantro, scallions, chilies, tofu, and fried shallots. Serve immediately.