COCONUT THAI SOUP WITH MUSSELS

We were having friends over for dinner one evening and I wanted to make another cuisine besides Italian, we eat Italian every night and so do our friends.  So this soup was a hit, well actually the meal was! We also made jasmine rice and bok choy for the side. If you want, you can add the mussel soup with the jasmine rice.                                  

                                                     serves 4

1 can of coconut milk                                
1 tbsp red thai paste, (more if you want it spicy) 
1 tsp fish oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 kg  fresh mussels, cleaned & washed
good healthy bunch of  fresh basil

Slightly fry the thai paste with olive oil, then add milk & fish oil. Let simmer for 10 minutes and stir occasionally. Then add the mussels and cover with lid, stir occasionally to incorporate all the flavors. Cook mussels until they have opened.    For the jasmine rice……1 1/2 cup of jasmine rice with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, than reduce heat, cook until rice is ready.