Image via Wikipedia

Green Papaya Soup with Prawns

Ingredients

• ½ medium unripe papaya, peeled and cut into 1-½ inch cubes
• 1 tsp. dried shrimp paste
• 2 fresh red chilies, chopped
• 4 shallots, chopped
• 1 qt water
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 oz medium prawns, with shells and veins removed

Method

1. Wrap shrimp paste in foil and toast on both sides in dry wok, until is dry and crumbly.
2. Blend in blender or food processor shrimp paste, chilies and shallots to a paste-like consistency.
3. Place blended paste and water in medium size pot and bring to boil.
4. Cover pot and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add papaya, return to boil, cover and let simmer for 10 minutes more.
6. Add salt and prawns and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until prawns turn pink.
7. Serve as is or on top of steamed rice. Makes 4 servings.