Thai Coconut Soup

Peel off the outer brown, dry layer of the lemongrass, if any. Cut off the top half of the lemongrass stalks and discard. Cut off and discard the bulb at the bottom. Place the usable lemongrass portions on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a flat mallet or a small hammer, flatten stalks. Peel and slice ginger into 3 or 4 pieces.

Preheat a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add oil. Add lemon grass and ginger. Stir for a couple minutes. Add chicken broth and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the lemongrass and ginger with a slotted spoon or tongs.

Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice. Increase heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to heat without coming to a full boil. Add chicken and mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Serve with cilantro.