TOM YUM CATFISH SOUP / HOT & SOUR CATFISH SOUP RECIPE

This is almost satisfying soap full of flavour.

3 lbs catfish steaks (about 2 CF steaks per person)

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)

2 large shallots (halved or roughly chopped)

7 kaffir lime leaves

1 galangal (thickly sliced into about 6 pieces)

1 stalk lemongrass (pulverize and chop)

1/2 cup tamarind paste (gives the soup that yummy sour taste)

handful cilantro (chopped for garnish - optional)

a handful green onion (chopped for garnish - optional)

1/4 cup coconut milk or cream

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. salt or soy to taste

1 tbsp. chicken bouillon powder

2 tbsp. fish sauce or less if you wish

1 tbsp. Sweet paprika to add color

If you like some heat, and I do, I crush some Thai chiles in a motor until pulverised. 

Stir well the tamarind as it is all stuck together.