Active Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Yield: Serves 4
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This soup is inspired by a wonderful chef and restaurateur, Hubert Keller. Alsace-born Hubert owns Fleur de Lys, the superb French restaurant in San Francisco, and he is one of the most well-liked and respected individuals in the industry. Hubert has a similar recipe featuring lobster and shrimp, without the noodles included here. The meaty texture of the seafood and the Thai flavors are an exciting combination; our uncommon variation is one of the lightest-flavored beef dishes you'll find.
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RECIPE INGREDIENTS
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DIRECTIONS
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TO PREPARE BEEF: Place the beef in a mixing bowl, add the soy and sesame oil, and let marinate at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, or at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
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TO PREPARE SOUP BASE: Place the coconut milk in a large saucepan. Cut the lemongrass in half across and then in half lengthwise. Crush with the back of a heavy knife and add to the pan. Add the ginger, lime leaves, celery, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, wine, plus salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil gently for 5 minutes and then remove from the heat and let infuse, covered, while cooking the beef and vegetables.
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Heat a dry wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the beef and marinade and sear for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly, or until the beef is tender, browned, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove the beef and pat dry with paper towels.
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TO PREPARE VEGETABLES: Blanch the tomatoes in a small saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain, and when cool enough to handle, peel, cut in half, and gently squeeze out the seeds. Dice the tomatoes and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, add the onion, scallions, and carrot, and sauté over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
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Strain the coconut liquid into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender. Add the basil, blanched tomatoes, and cooked beef, and season to taste. Ladle into serving bowls.
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WINE RECOMMENDATION: For a soup so abundantly spiced, a light acidic wine is recommended, such as a Spanish Rioja, Italian Bardolino, Californian Petite Syrah, or a Tavel Rose from the Rhone Valley.
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HELPFUL TIPS: The rice noodles are available in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets. Lemongrass is becoming more widely available in supermarket produce sections, and can also be found in most Asian markets.
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