4 Servings Dairy-Free

You can make this soup quickly once the ingredients have been prepared. Lemon grass lends a tangy citrus taste.

In medium saucepan, heat vegetable broth to a simmer with lemon grass stalks and dried lime leaves if desired.

In small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring often, about 30 seconds. When broth has simmered for 5 minutes, remove lemon grass and lime leaves and discard. Add cooked garlic and ginger to broth. Return broth to a boil and stir in chile paste and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms have wilted, about 30 seconds, then stir in lime juice and soy sauce. Remove from heat and ladle soup into small bowls.

Top each bowl with a few tomatoes, a little cilantro and a small pinch of hot green chilies if desired.

Alternatively, mix tomatoes and chilies together and place in a small serving bowl. Set on the table for people to help themselves.

Per serving: 27 cal.; 1g prot.; 1g total fat (0 sat. Fat); 3g carb.; 0 chol.; 518mg sod.; 1g fiber