Aromatic Shrimp And Noodle Medicine Soup

• 6 whole cloves
• 6 green cardamom pods
• 4 star anise pods
• 3 dried chiles de arbol
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 3 medium shallots, halved through root ends
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 (6-inch) pieces lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, lightly smashed
• 1 (4-inch) piece ginger, peeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 1 Fresno chile, chopped
• 1 (3-inch) piece lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, finely chopped
• 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste with bean oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 (12-ounce) packages ramen noodles
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces mung bean sprouts
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
• Fresh tender herbs (such as Thai basil, cilantro, and/or mint)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chili oil and lime wedges (for serving)

1. Toast cloves, cardamom, star anise, chiles, cinnamon, and peppercorns in a large pot over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add cilantro, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, broth, and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until flavors meld, 1-1 1/2 hours. Strain into a large bowl, pressing on solids. Return broth to pot; season with salt and pepper.
2. Pulse cashews in a food processor until very finely ground. Add shallot, chile, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, and shrimp paste; process until smooth. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium and cook paste, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.
3. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse under cold water. Bring broth to a simmer, add shrimp, and cook until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Divide noodles among bowls. Add 2 Tbsp. paste to each and ladle broth over; stir to incorporate paste. Top with shrimp, sprouts, scallions, and herbs; season with pepper. Serve with chili oil and lime wedges alongside.

cloves, green cardamom, anise pods, chiles, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, cilantro, shallots, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, fish sauce, kosher salt, cashews, shallot, chile, layer, ginger, brown sugar, shrimp, vegetable oil, ramen noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, scallions, fresh tender herbs, freshly ground black pepper, chili oil

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/aromatic-shrimp-and-noodle-medicine-soup (may not work)