4 oz pork tenderloin or lean boneless shoulder
1/2 breast of chicken, 4 oz
1 qt. Chicken stock
8 dried mushrooms about 1/4 cup
1/2 cup water
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. anchovy paste
2 tsp soy sauce
2-3 oz soy bean threads
4 oz raw shrimp, cleaned
1/2 cups cubed cucumbers
2 eggs
2-3 tbsp. chopped fresh coriander or parsley

The original version of this recipe calls for a fish sauce called Nam Pla. You may be able to obtain this in gourmet specialty shops or by mail order. In this recipe we've substituted anchovy paste and soy sauce, which works well.

Soak the dried mushrooms in water for about 20 minutes prior to cooking. Cut up the chicken and and the pork tenderloin into 1/2 inch cubes. Add the meat to your chicken stock in a soup pot. Bring to a simmer. Thinly slice the soaked mushrooms. Add the mushrooms and water to the soup along with the onions, garlic, anchovy paste, and soy sauce.

Simmer gently until the meat becomes tender approximately 20 minutes - do not allow to boil. At this point, add the raw shrimp, soy bean threads, and cucumber. Continue to simmer until the shrimp are cooked (they will no longer appear translucent).

Stir in the beaten eggs, one after another. When the eggs have coagulated, pour the soup into a serving bowl or soup tureen and serve with steamed rice as a side dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

Submitted by: CM