Created by ForeverMama on September 28, 2016
Step 1: In a fairly large pot, heat the oil and stir-fry the onion, garlic and ginger until their fragrance is released. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken stock or water, bring to a boil and add the pumpkin. Lower the heat and cook until the pumpkin is tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl; mix together the shrimp paste, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Stir these seasonings into the pot. Shortly before serving add the fish and red bell pepper; cook just until the fish is cooked through. Add the coconut milk and let it warm.
Step 4: Taste carefully for seasoning, balancing sweet, sour, salty and hot, adjusting as needed. Serve the soup in bowls with a generous handful of fresh basil on top.