4 cups of water
2 stalks fresh lemongrass, trim off the very end of the root and smash with the side of a cleaver or chef's knife; cut into 1 inch pieces; or 2 pc dried
3 slices fresh galangal root (smashed) or 2 pc dried
3 fresh kaffir lime leave or 4 pc dried
1 tbsp. tamarind paste, with or without seeds
1 tbsp. fish sauce, Golden Boy brand preferred
3/4 lb shrimps, medium to large size, shelled and de-veined; butterfly if desired
12 fresh Thai chili peppers, whole or 2 medium sized jalepenos, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips.
1/2 small white onion, cut 1/4 inch slices
2 tbsp. roasted chili paste (nam prik pao)
1 (16 oz.) can straw mushrooms, drained and rinsed
1 small ripe tomato, cut into wedges 1/4 inch thick
1 small lime, squeezed
2 sprigs fresh cilantro