Aromatic Broth with Vegetable Slivers

Directions

1. 1
   Cut lemon grass in 2-inch pieces; bruise lightly.
2. 2
   Combine with stock, cilantro stems, chili, and lime zest in sauce pan.
3. 3
   Simmer, covered, 15 minutes (halfway through, taste and remove hot pepper, if desired, or leave in longer for more heat).
4. 4
   Strain.
5. 5
   (Solids can be re-used with more cilantro to flavor another batch of broth.)
6. 6
   Add lime juice, salt and pepper.
7. 7
   Cut snow peas in thin diagonal strips.
8. 8
   With vegetable peeler shave 2 inch ribbons of carrot.
9. 9
   Thinly slice radishes and scallion.
10. 10
    Bring soup to a boil: stir in snow peas and carrots and boil until just tender --about 1 1/2 minutes.
11. 11
    Stir in radishes, scallion, and cilantro; bring to a boil.
12. 12
    Serve at once.