Ingredients:

2 large shallots, minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 cloves
1 tablespoon peeled, minced fresh galangal or 1 2 inch long slice dried
1 inch piece fresh lemon grass, minced, or 1 tablespoon dried, soaked in water for 30 minutes, drained and minced
8 dried whole red chilies, with seeds, minced, or 2 ½ teaspoons crushed red-pepper flakes
2 teaspoons minced cilantro root
1 fresh kaffir lime leaf, minced, or 2 dried, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, drained and minced, or ½ teaspoon. grated lime zest
½ teaspoon shrimp paste
½ teaspoon salt

Methods:

In a mortar or a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Using a pestle or the back of a metal spoon, press down on the mixture and stir until it forms a paste.