Thai Lao Glass Noodle Shrimp Soup

In Lao, glass noodle is called "sin lon". When purchasing glass noodles make sure the ingredients listed on the package shows only mung bean and water. Glass noodles are often used in salads, soups, and fried spring rolls. Do not use pho noodles or sin khao bune - rice noodles with this recipe.

Soup Recipe: Glass noodles and shrimp
2 bundles glass noodles
4 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 piece lemongrass
1 lime kaffir leaf
1 chopped chilies (optional)
4 tomato pieces
8 mushroom pieces
8 shrimps
8 baby bok choy bunches
1 tablespoon oyster, mushroom or bean sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Place 2 bundles of glass noodles in a bowl. Pour warm water to cover the glass noodles. Wait for 15 minuets. Remove the string from the bundle and cut the noodles in half. Divide the glass noodles into 4 separate bowls.

In a pot over high heat, add 4 cups of water. Add salt, lemongrass, kaffir leaf and optional chilies. Once the water boils, add tomatoes, mushrooms, shrimps, baby bok choy, oyster sauce and fish sauce. Stir until the shrimp is cooked which is about 2 minutes. Remove and discard the lemongrass and kaffir leaf from the soup. Pour soup over 4 individual bowls. Make sure each bowl has equal portions of tomatoes, mushrooms, shrimps, and baby bok choy. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.