Lemongrass Beef Soup

Description
For herb and meat lovers! Keep the lemongrass and beef mixing to bring the red-hot soup to a boil. Serve up an intense treat with other main dishes.

Ingredients

 * 1 stalk lemongrass
 * 2 ½ qt. water
 * ½ lb. thinly sliced top sirloin
 * 1 tbsp. uncooked rice, white only
 * 4 tsp. lime juice
 * 2 tsp. sugar, white only
 * 2 tsp. seeded and chopped chili pepper, optional
 * 1 tbsp. Thai fish sauce
 * 4 tsp. chopped purple basil
 * 4 tsp. chopped green onions
 * freshly cooked jasmine rice
 * grated lime zest

Directions

 * 1) Crush lemongrass and cut in half. In a large saucepot, add lemongrass, water, and 1 tablespoon rice.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) Add lime juice, sugar, chili pepper, fish sauce, basil, and green onions.
 * 4) Pour hot stock into a bowl. Stir before serving. Serve hot with cooked jasmine rice then garnish with the lime zest.