Indonesian Chicken-Peanut Soup

Description
This earthy and complex soup brings to mind hot tropical suns and perfumed air. It's exotic but pleasantly so--and is a wonderful start to roast pork, broiled fish, or other plain fare. Serve hot as a first course in small bowls to 4-6 people. Selamat makan! (or, "good eating").



Ingredients

 * 4 cups chicken stock 
 * 2 Tablespoons soy sauce 
 * 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons molasses 
 * 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
 * 2 cloves garlic, pressed or mashed 
 * 1/4 cup peanut butter 
 * 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped 
 * 1 cup cooked chicken, slivered 
 * 1/2 cup green onions, sliced in rounds

Garnish

 * green onions, sliced lengthwise into thin strips then latticed across the top of each bowl

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the stock, soy sauce, molasses, lemon juice, and garlic. It seems like an awful combination at first, but it mellows together into a savory broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Whisk in the peanut butter, then simmer for 5 more minutes.  When ready to serve, stir in the peanuts, chicken, and scallions. Heat through, then ladle into soup bowls and lattice the tops with scallion strips. Serve immediately.