Thai Fragrant Vegetable Soup

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons  minced garlic
• 2  tablespoons  peanut oil
• 6  cups chicken broth
• 1  tablespoon soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons fish sauce
• 3  cups  coarsely shredded cabbage
• 2  medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1  cup  finely chopped celery
• 1  cup  sliced mushrooms
• 1  stalk fresh lemongrass, pounded with cleaver,and finely minced
• 3 -5  fresh  Thai red chili peppers, minced (or to taste)
• 1  tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. In a deep saucepan, heat garlic in oil until fragrant; add broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, cabbage, carrots, celery, mushrooms, lemongrass, and chilies.
2. Bring mixture to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Adjust seasonings for soy sauce, and fish sauce; then add lime juice and basil; serve.
4. Note: As an option you may also add cooked chicken, cooked beef or pork, or raw shrimp to this soup at the end of cooking; for shrimp, just allow enough time for them to turn opaque and curl tight; for meat, just heat through.