Steamed Shrimp With Lemon Grass-Coconut Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Trim ends from lemon grass, then bruise 3 stalks all over with back of a knife. Cut in half and place in saucepan with nam pla. Squeeze juice of 2 limes into pot, then toss in lime rinds. Top with shrimp, cover tightly, and turn heat to medium-high. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and firm. Remove shrimp and chill.

2. Step 2

   Remove hard outer layers from remaining lemon grass stalk and mince tender core; you will get about a teaspoon. Combine this with chili, coconut milk, sugar and saffron in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is a uniform yellow. Remove chili and chill. Cut remaining lime into wedges.

3. Step 3

   Taste sauce and add salt if necessary. Serve cold shrimp topped with cold sauce and accompanied by lime wedges.