Laotian catfish soup

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1Large, fresh jalapeno chile pepper
1Small, Japanese eggplant
3Shallots, unpeeled
1Whole head of garlic (yes, head)
3cupsChicken stock
½poundsCatfish fillets, chunked Juice from one fresh lime
12 tsp fish sauce
½Cucumber, diced Finely chopped fresh cilantro lime wedges for garnish

Directions

Grill the chilies, eggplant, shallots and garlic over a fire or under a broiler. When they are nice and brown peel them and puree in a blender or food processor. For the traditionalist, pound the ingredients together in a mortar. Poach the fish in the chicken stock until cooked. Remove to individual warmed bowls. Stir the pureed vegetables into the poaching liquid, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add lime juice, fish sauce, cilantro and cucumber to the soup, and ladle over the catfish. Serve immediately with lime wedges.