Morning Hue Soup

Ingredients

• Broth

  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks lemongrass (white part only), coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh ginger, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) roasted chili paste (optional see note)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sambal oelek
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fish sauce (nuoc mam)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 8 cups (2 litres) chicken broth
  • 2 slices ham hock, without the rind (optional)

• 
Toppings

  • 1/2 lb (250 g) round Asian noodles, cooked (or Udon noodles)
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) sliced beef fondue, halved
  • Crab meat, to taste (optional)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Thai basil leaves
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Roasted chili paste (optional)