Aromatic Shrimp and Noodle Medicine Soup

Ingredients

• •6 whole whole cloves
• •6 pods green cardamom pods
• •4 pods star anise pods
• •3 whole dried chiles de árbol
• •2 sticks (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• •2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• •1 bunch bunch cilantro
• •3 medium medium shallots, halved through root ends
• •5 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
• •2 pieces (6-inch) pieces lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, lightly smashed
• •1 piece (4-inch) piece ginger, peeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• •12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• •1 tablespoon fish sauce
• •to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• •½ cup cashews
• •1 medium medium shallot, chopped
• •1 whole Fresno chile, chopped
• •1 piece (3-inch) piece lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, finely chopped
• •1 piece (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
• •1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• •1 tablespoon shrimp paste with bean oil
• •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• •4 packages (12-ounce) packages ramen noodles
• •1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• •8 ounces mung bean sprouts
• •4 whole scallions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
• •1 to taste Fresh tender herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and/or mint)
• •to taste Freshly ground black pepper
• •to taste Chili oil and lime wedges (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Toast cloves, cardamom, star anise, chiles, cinnamon, and peppercorns in a large pot over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add cilantro, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, broth, and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until flavors meld, 1-1 1/2 hours. Strain into a large bowl, pressing on solids. Return broth to pot; season with salt and pepper.

   90 min

2. 2.

   Pulse cashews in a food processor until very finely ground. Add shallot, chile, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, and shrimp paste; process until smooth. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium and cook paste, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.

   10 min

3. 3.

   Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse under cold water. Bring broth to a simmer, add shrimp, and cook until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Divide noodles among bowls. Add 2 Tbsp. paste to each and ladle broth over; stir to incorporate paste. Top with shrimp, sprouts, scallions, and herbs; season with pepper. Serve with chili oil and lime wedges alongside.

   15 min