Curried fish soup (Me ga thi)

Method

1. For the soup: combine the chilli paste, chilli and garlic in oil, lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, coriander roots (keep the leaves for garnish) and 50ml of the coconut cream in a food processor or blender and blend to make a smooth paste.

2. Heat a large heavy-based saucepan to very hot, add the paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until darkened and aromatic.

3. Add the fish to the pan and cook it in the paste for about a minute, then pour over the fish stock, coconut milk and the remaining coconut cream.

4. Stir in the fish sauce, tamarind and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for a further minute.

5. Allow the soup to cool slightly, then pour into a blender (alternatively use a hand blender), add the dill and blend until smooth.

6. Return the soup to the pan, taste and add salt if necessary. Keep warm until you are ready to serve.

7. To serve: heat four large deep soup bowls and divide the noodles between them. Ladle over the piping hot soup then allow each person to add their own garnish of bean sprouts, spring onions, chillies, coriander leaves, snake beans (or green beans) and chilli sauce.