Lemongrass Beef Soup

Ingredients

 * 1 stalk lemongrass
 * 2 1/2	qt water
 * 1 tbl	Uncooked jasmine rice
 * 1/2 lb thinly sliced top sirloin
 * 4 tsp	Lime juice, (up to 8)
 * 2 tsp	sugar
 * 2 tsp	seeded and chopped chili pepper, (optional)
 * 1 tbl	thai fish sauce
 * 4 tsp	chopped purple basil
 * 4 tsp	chopped green onions
 * freshly cooked jasmine rice

Directions
Crush lemon grass and cut in half. In a large sauce pot, add lemongrass, water, and the 1 tablespoon rice. Cover and bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Cut beef slices into 2-inch strips; place in a large soup bowl. Add lime juice, sugar, chili pepper, fish sauce, basil, and green onions. Pour hot stock into bowl. Stir before serving. Serve with cooked jasmine rice.