I moved yesterday. It had been 15 years. I turns out my belongings require a lot more boxes now. Twenty years ago, my whole life fit into two boxes (plus a rolling desk chair). Now, my collection of honeys, date molasses, and spices alone fill two boxes. Combined, all my … [Read more...] about Making Connections and Low-Carb Chicken Pad Thai with Cabbage Noodles
Thai
Ugly Delicious: Green Curry Chicken with Homemade Thai Curry Paste
What's the easiest, tastiest, most comforting gourmet food you can make while sharing a cottage with 15 other people? Thai Curry. All you need to do is buy a can or jar of green or red or yellow curry paste, a can of coconut milk and some chicken (optional) and vegetables: … [Read more...] about Ugly Delicious: Green Curry Chicken with Homemade Thai Curry Paste
Homemade Sriracha Chili Sauce (aka “Rooster Sauce, aka “the big bottle of red hot sauce in Vietnamese restaurants”)
This is a great homemade hot sauce that resembles Asian rooster sauce. No preservatives. Fermented for 4 days. Made with green cayennes instead of long red chili peppers, and rice vinegar instead of harsh regular vinegar. Thus, better, I feel. I started with 3 lbs of green … [Read more...] about Homemade Sriracha Chili Sauce (aka “Rooster Sauce, aka “the big bottle of red hot sauce in Vietnamese restaurants”)
Spicy Fish Soup with Turmeric and Lemongrass (and deep-frying for skinny people)
This is what you need to eat on a rainy summer day. It's spicy and hot and rich but not heavy. And most importantly, it'll warm you up from the inside. The best part? You get to shallow-fry a bunch of garlic. It's not scary, it doesn't waste a ton of oil, and it tastes delicious. … [Read more...] about Spicy Fish Soup with Turmeric and Lemongrass (and deep-frying for skinny people)
Thai Cucumber Salad from Nong’s Thai Kitchen
Who would have thought that dousing raw cucumber slices in spicy syrup would be a good a idea? Thai people, apparently. This simple salad is a good way to simultaneously feel healthy and pander to your sweet tooth. The recipe is from Nong's Thai Kitchen: 84 Classic Recipes that … [Read more...] about Thai Cucumber Salad from Nong’s Thai Kitchen
Nam Prik Pau! Thai Chile Jam That Packs a Punch
Every time I say the name of the recipe I picture graphic novel-style exclamations above me and I want to punch three times in various directions into the air — one, two, three! Basically I feel like a Thai warrior, not someone who just shallow-fried dried shrimp and fish, … [Read more...] about Nam Prik Pau! Thai Chile Jam That Packs a Punch
Bean Sprouts with Fried Fish and Chili from “Heavenly Fragrance”
I'm more than a little addicted to this salty, spicy, crunchy side dish. It's simultaneously the perfect bar food and lunch. You hallow-fry fried anchovies or some other small dried fish and then toss them with sautéed garlic, beansprouts, chili and fish sauce. Then serve with … [Read more...] about Bean Sprouts with Fried Fish and Chili from “Heavenly Fragrance”
How to Cook Whole Fish: Baked Sustainable Bass Stuffed with Herbs
Make this when you have leftover parsley or white wine. You can do it the mild way (Italian) or the spicy way (Asian). The difference is chili flakes and soy or fish sauce. One note about sustainability: Ask your fishmonger where the fish comes from and how it was caught. If it … [Read more...] about How to Cook Whole Fish: Baked Sustainable Bass Stuffed with Herbs
Wok-Fired Bok Choy with Peanut Sauce
I waited about a month before pulling this last pak choy (like bok choy) from my garden. It's a little like kale in that it's hardy and can handle the first frosts. Mostly I wanted to keep something green growing, in an effort to fend off winter, which would inevitably fail. I … [Read more...] about Wok-Fired Bok Choy with Peanut Sauce
How to Cook Whole Fish
When I buy a fish and the fishmonger fillets it for me and tries to throw out the head and bones, I almost cry. What a waste! You're paying $20 for two slivers of flesh. But if you keep that head and vertebrae, you have two more meals worth of quality protein. No, you're not … [Read more...] about How to Cook Whole Fish