Homemade Guacamole Dip .. with a Tip!

Ingredients:


4 Ripe Avocados ( Reserve 1 avocado, chopped to add towards the end for chunkiness)
2 tbsp Sour Cream 
3 tbsp Lemon Juice + 1 tbsp Lime Juice (Optional)
Few drops of Tabasco Sauce (Optional)
2&1/2 Ripe Tomatoes, Seeded & Chopped (Reserve 1 tomato, chopped to add later for chunkiness)
Handful of Chopped Spring Onions
Handful of Finely Chopped Coriander
Sea Salt to taste
1 Fresh Red Chili (Mild), Seeded & Finely Chopped


Method:


- In a food processor, throw in 3 avocados, 1 tomato, and the red chili and pulse.
- Add the spring onions & coriander and pulse again.
- Add the sour cream and a good pinch of salt and taste. Pulse for the last time.
- Remove the mixture from the food processor and add the remaining chopped avocados & tomatoes for chunkiness.  
- Season with more sea salt and lemon & lime juice until you reach the desired taste.
- Add the Tabasco and mix well.
- Serve with Tortilla chips or homemade pita chips.


Tip 1: To keep the guacamole bright green and avoiding that bad browning from oxidizing, keep one of the avocado seeds in the dip and add enough lemon or lime juice.


Tip 2: To keep the guacamole in the fridge for a few days without it changing color and oxidizing, put it in a Tupperware and put a direct cling wrap (plastic wrap) on the guacamole dip and let it stick to it to block air and then close it with the lid.


Enjoy!

Green Curry Chicken (Thai) - Recipe # 2

This is another recipe for my favorite Thai dish, Green Curry Chicken. It's a more easier version than recipe # 1 and takes less time.

I enjoy doing this when I'm in a hurry and need to serve fast lunch or dinner, yet a good & filling meal.

Ingredients:

1 jar of Thai Choice Green Curry

2 tbsp cooking oil

2 cans of coconut milk

2 stems of fresh lemon grass - found in TSC or Lulu Hyper Market

6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into cubes

4 pieces Thai eggplant cut into large cubes - found in Lulu Hyper Market

2 medium white potatoes cut into cubes

1 cup of fresh button mushrooms cut in half

1 green bell pepper chopped into chunks

4 baby corns chopped into chunks

1 small red chili

Salt according to taste

Brown sugar to minimize spiciness

1 tbsp fish sauce - found in TSC

Fresh basil leaves

Coriander for garnish

Method:

Start out by drizzling 2 tbsp of oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.

Add the ready made green curry paste and stir-fry it for one minute.

Add the coconut milk and stir to combine, then add the lemon grass and stir.

Add the fish sauce and leave to simmer for another 5 minutes.

Add in the chicken and let it cook for 5 minutes then add the rest of the vegetables.

To reduce the curry's spicy flavor, add in brown sugar according to taste, I would start by 2 tbsp and taste, add more if needed.

Add salt as needed, then add the basil leaves

Leave to cook for 20-30 minutes.

Garnish with coriander and serve with steamed rice.

Enjoy!

Fried Calamari with mixed greens

Serves 4


Ingredients:

2 teaspoons oil
500g calamari rings
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon water
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, seeded and sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1/4 cup small mint leaves
1/4 cup coriander leaves
3 onions (shallots), sliced
1 tablespoon thinly sliced lemongrass
radicchio leaves, to serve


Method:

In a wok, heat the oil. Stir-fry the calamari for 1 minute.

Add the lemon juice, sauces and water. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until calamari is cooked and tender.

Transfer the calamari with sauce to a bowl and toss through remaining ingredients.

Serve on a bed of radicchio leaves.


Enjoy..

Chicken with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Serves 4


Ingredients:

1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips
5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 Teaspoon ground pepper
4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs, skin removed
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
cooked white rice, for serving


Method:

- In a pot, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper.

- Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 2 hours .

- Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid.

- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute.

- With the heat turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions.


Tip:

Could be done in a slow cooker for approx. 6 hours instead of 2.


Enjoy...

Low-fat Chicken Quesadilla ~ Diet

Serves 4


Ingredients:

8 corn tortillas
6 ounces low-fat monterey jack cheese
8 ounces chicken breasts, cubed
1 ripe avocado, diced small
1 cup green chilies, drained
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
4 ounces non-fat sour cream


Method:

- Heat a griddle over medium-high heat.

- When the griddle is hot, place 1 tortilla on the griddle and sprinkle 1/8 of the cheese on tortilla.

- Top with 1/4 of the chicken mixture, 1/4 of the avocado, 1/4 of the green chiles, and 1/4 of the cilantro, and another 1/8 of the cheese. Top with another tortilla.

- When cheese begins to melt, flip with wide spatula and continue cooking until cheese is melted.

- Remove from griddle to cutting board. Cut into 4 pieces. Repeat process 3 more times.

- Serve with fat-free sour cream on the side.

Satay Chicken ~ Thai

Ingredients:

6 Chicken breast halves boned, skinned and cut into strips

To marinade it:

1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Curry powder
2 tablespoons Crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Crushed dried chile peppers


For the peanut Sauce:

2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1&1/2 cups Coconut milk
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Cayenne pepper
Grated lime zest
Fresh cilantro sprigs


Method:


- For the marinade, combine the brown sugar,curry powder, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic and chile peppers in a shallow dish.

- Thread the chicken strips onto bamboo skewers, place the skewers into the soy sauce mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

- Make the peanut sauce by combining the peanut butter, coconut milk, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a saucepan. Season to taste with cayenne pepper.

- Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is as thick as heavy cream (about 15 minutes).

- Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree briefly. Add chicken broth and cream and blend until smooth. This mixture can be made several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

- preheat a broiler.

- Cook the skewered chicken, turning several times and basting with the marinade, until crispy on the outside but still moist on the inside, about 8 minutes.

- Sprinkle grilled chicken with lime zest and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve with the peanut sauce as a dip.


Enjoy...

Healthy Vegetable Soup ~ Diet

Serves 8


Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
10 mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 potato, peeled,cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cans vegetable broth
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes, with added puree
1 can stewed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
additional chopped fresh parsley


Method:

- Combine zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onion and potato in heavy large Dutch oven.

- Add vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, 3 tablespoons parsley, cilantro, garlic, basil and oregano.

- Bring mixture to boil.

- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

- Strain cooking liquid into large saucepan; reserve vegetables.

- Place 3 cups vegetables in blender. Add 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Puree until smooth.

- Stir puree into remaining cooking liquid in saucepan. Return remaining vegetables to cooking liquid.

- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with additional parsley.



Tip:

Can be prepared 5 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Chicken Tandoori Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 Cup yogurt
2 Teaspoons garam masala powder
1 Teaspoon ground ginger
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
1 Teaspoon ground turmeric
1 Teaspoon coarse salt
1 jalapeno chile, stemmed seeded, and finely minced (optional)
1&1/2 Pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, gently flattened and cut into strips
1 small head shredded lettuce, (3 cups)
1 small head shredded red cabbage, (3 cups)
6 large diced tomatoes, (3 cups)
1 sliced radishes, (1 cup)
1 large sliced cucumber, (2 cups)
1&1/2 white turnip (optional)
1 scallions, minced
1 Cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 2 to 3 small lemons


Method:

- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl combine yogurt, garam masala, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, and jalapeño, if using.

- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate while preparing salad.

- In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, scallions, white turnip(optional), and cilantro; set aside.

- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken along with the marinade and cook, stirring, until the chicken is just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.

- Transfer chicken and pan juices to salad mixture and toss to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.


Amazing...

Mexican Fajitas - Mexican

Ingredients:

450 g sirloin steak
1/4 cup beef stock
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tabelspoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 small green & red bell peppers, cut in thin strips
1 large tomato, diced
4 large flour tortillas
Salsa, sour cream or guacamole (optional) - Found at Sultan Center


Method:

- Slice beef in thin strips.

- In a medium bowl, combine stock, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, half the coriander and pepper. Add beef, turning to coat each piece, and refrigerate, covered, for 15 minutes.

- In a large frying pan heat oil, drain beef, reserving marinade. Add beef to pan and stir-fry until no longer pink, about five minutes.

- Add onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.

- Stir in marinade and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. Add tomato and chili, turning ingredients, until hot through. Add remaining coriander.

- Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

- Serve beef mixture wrapped in warmed tortillas. Top with salsa, sour cream or guacamole, if desired.

Enjoy...

Butter Chicken ~ Indian Cuisine

Ingredients:

150ml natural yogurt
50g ground almonds
1&1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon garam masala
4 green cardamom pods
1 teaspoon ginger pulp
1 teaspoon garlic pulp
400g can tomatoes
1&1/4 teaspoon salt
1kg chicken, skinned, boned and cubed
75g butter
1 tablespoon corn oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
4 tablespoon cream


Method:

- Place the yogurt, ground almonds, all the dry spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and salt in a mixing bowl and blend together thoroughly.

- Put the chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour over the yogurt mixture.
Set aside.

- Melt together the butter and oil in a medium pot, wok or frying pan. Add the onions and fry for about 3 minutes. Add the chicken mixture and stir-fry for about 7 to 10 minutes.

- Stir in about half of the coriander and mix well. Pour over the cream and stir in well. Bring to the boil.

- When serving, garnish the indian butter chicken with the remaining chopped coriander.


Enjoy...

Marinated Lemons ~JO

An aromatic marinate to add to your chicken or fish .. by Jamie Oliver..
I have my jar of those amazing marinated lemons and I always add them to my chicken.


Ingredients:

1 handful of coriander seeds
1 handful of fennel seeds
whole, black pepper
some whole cinnamon
1 package of coarse sea salt
dried thyme
bay leaves


Method:


- Wash the lemons. Cut them almost through - into 4 pieces. Put the spices in a cloth and smash them 3-4 times to release the aroma.

- Put spices in a bowl together with salt, some twigs of thyme and some bay leaves. The salt will suck out the aromas and the juices from the lemons.

- Push the mixture into the lemons - as much as will fit in. Pour some of the salt mixture into a large jar, press as many lemons as possible into it. Put the rest of the salt mixture on top.

- Close the jar with a tight lid, and shake it to spread the salt evenly. It will take about a month to soften the skin of lemons. After this they'll be ready for use.

- You can preserve the lemons up to about 2 years. Cut the lemons into thin slices when using them with your dish as desired.


Enjoy..

Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Sauce

Serves 4


Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes


Ingredients:

6 cups (1 head) cabbage, shredded
2 tablespoons canola oil
Fresh lime juice
Toasted sesame seeds
Coarse salt and ground pepper
32 medium shrimp (about 1 pound), peeled and deveined
1/4 cup Asian Cilantro Sauce


Asian Cilantro Sauce Ingredients: (makes 1/2 cup)

2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Pinch of crushed red pepper


Method:

1. Heat grill to high. In a large bowl, toss 6 cups shredded cabbage with 2 tablespoons canola oil, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Thread 32 peeled and deveined medium shrimp on 8 skewers. Place in a shallow dish; toss with 1/4 cup of the Asian Cilantro Sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Grill until opaque, 2 to 4 minutes per side.

3. Serve the shrimp skewers with sesame cabbage, remaining 1/4 cup cilantro sauce, and lime wedges.


For the Asian Cilantro Sauce:

1. In blender, purée ingredients until smooth.

Note: If not using immediately, the sauce should be refrigerated; cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the sauce to preserve the bright color. This sauce will keep for up to three days.

Enjoy...

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Chili Crabs

Ingredients:

2-3 whole cooked crabs
1/4 cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons hot chili paste
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
3 tablespoons peanut oil
4 green onions, sliced thin
1 piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 chile, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish


Method:

- Pull the main shell off the crab and discard it. Remove the gray gills and the soft insides. Cut the body in half and then cut between each leg.

- In a bowl mix the ketchup, chili paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and tamarind paste; thin it with 1/4 cup water and set aside. Pour the oil into a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the scallion, ginger, garlic, 1/2 the chile, and cilantro and cook for 1 minute. Add the crab and stir-fry for another minute. Pour in the sauce and continue cooking, stirring often, until the crab has absorbed the sauce and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.

- Put onto a platter and garnish with the rest of the chile and cilantro. Serve with plenty of napkins!


Enjoy...

Meat Tajine - La7m eb Tagine (Morrocan)

Serves 4-6


Ingredients:

Pinch ground saffron
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup grated yellow onions, rinsed and squeezed dry
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups dark veal or chicken stock
2/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 pound crack green olives, drained and pitted
3 to 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice


Method:

In a food processor, combine the saffron, ginger, pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Process until smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the lamb with the above mixture. Mix well. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in large cast iron or heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add the lamb and sear for 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in the onions. Season with pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the stock. Add the herbs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered until the meat is very tender, about 2 hours.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the pan and set aside. Remove any scum that has risen to the surface of the liquid. Add the olives to the cooking liquid, increase the heat to high and boil for about 10 minutes or until the mixture is like a thick gravy. Stir in the lemon juice and reseason if necessary.

About 30 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the meat in a shallow ovenproof serving dish and cook until the meat is lightly crisped, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve the lamb with couscous. Garnish with parsley.

Shrimps on Lemongrass Skewers

Serves 2


Ingredients:

454g jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 lemon grass stalks or bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 4 hours or overnight
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cinatro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme


Method:

- Spear the head end and tail of each shrimp with a lemon grass stalk, placing 5 shrimps on each stalk.

- In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt, ginger, cilantro and thyme.

- Place the shrimp skewers in a rectangular glass baking dish and pour the marinade over them.

- Cover with pastic wrap and let merinade in the refrigerator for atleast 4 hours.

- Heat a charcoal grill or broiler. Grill the shrimp until firm and pink, approxmimately 4 minutes.

- Serve skewers roasted corn and grilled veggies.


Enjoy...

Lamb Burger with Herb Chutney

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3/4 lb. lean ground lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
3/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1/2 small jalapeno chile, veins and seeds removed, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Method:

1) Heat grill. in a medium bowl, gently stir together lamb, 1/2 cup of the onion, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro, cumin and half of the garlic just until blended (don't over mix). shape into 4 (3-inches) patties, 1-inch thick.

2) Place all remaining ingredients, including onion, garlic and 1/2 cup cilantro, in food processor or blender. pulse until smooth

3) Oil grill grate, Place patties on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium-high coals; cover grill. Grill 6 to 9 minutes or until barely pink in center, turning once. Top burgers with chutney.

Enjoy...

Chicken Noodle Soup the old-fashioned way

What's better than soup in this cold weather....



Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. canola oil
1 chicken, quartered
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 large yellow onions, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 bunch celery, tops and bottoms trimmed, cut into 1-inch chunks
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 quarts water
1 bay leaf
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 lb. dried fettuccine, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh parsley

Method:

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and cook until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Add the onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme sprigs and coriander. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until the meat is nearly falling off the bones, about 1 1/2 hours. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, transfer the chicken to a colander and let cool to the touch.

Meanwhile, in a large pot two-thirds full of boiling salted water, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles in a colander and cool under cold running water; set aside.

Remove the chicken meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones, and cut the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces. Skim the fat from the broth and return the chicken to the pot along with the pasta, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the pasta is heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed, stir in the parsley and serve immediately.

Tip:

Browning the chicken pieces before simmering them with the vegetables produces a rich, flavorful soup broth.

Items used in this recipe:

Thai Salmon Fish Cakes ~ CHH

Fishcakes like you've never tasted before - try those chilli-spiked savoury bites.

Level of difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

5 garlic cloves, chopped
3 fresh red chillies, seeds removed, chopped
2 lemon grass stalks, chopped
3 coriander roots
1 piece of fresh root ginger (2cm), or galangal
1 large shallot, or small onion
1 tsp kaffir lime peel
1 tbsp Salt
1 tbsp white peppercorns

For the fishcakes:

500g salmon fillet, skin removed
1 tsp Thai red curry paste (found at Sultan Center)
1 egg
2 tbsp nam pla (Thai fish sauce)
1 tbsp caster sugar
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp fresh lime juice
2 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste
1 litre vegetable oil, for deep-frying
4 tbsp sweet soy sauce, or soy vinegar dressing, to serve

For the soy dressing:

2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp nam pla (Thai fish sauce)
1 tsp chopped coriander
1 green chilli, seeds removed, chopped

Method:

Using a food processor, blend all the ingredients for the Thai red curry paste until smooth. Set aside while you make the rest of the dish.

Cut the salmon into small cubes and mix with 1 tsp Thai red curry paste and the egg. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and beat well. Shape into small patties.

Heat the oil in a wok and deep fry the fish cakes a few at a time for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re crisp and golden. Remove from the oil and drain well on absorbent kitchen paper. Serves straight away with chilli sauce or the soy dressing

To make the dressing, whisk all the ingredients together, taste for seasoning and serve with the hot fishcakes.

Enjoy....

Green Curry Chicken (Thai) ~ CHH

A classic Thai dish, best served with steamed rice.

I have different recipes that I will be posting for this dish. So this is recipe #1

Servings: 4
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

5 garlic cloves, chopped
6 green chillies, seeds removed and chopped
2 stalks Lemon grass
3 tbsp coriander roots, chopped
2 cm fresh galangal
1 large shallot
1 tsp kaffir lime peel
1 lime, juice
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp Black peppercorns

Optional: add a few pieces of Thai eggplant

For the chicken chunks:

3 tbsp peanut oil
6 small Chicken fillets, cut into chunks
500ml coconut milk
3 tbsp Thai green curry paste (found at sultan center)
90g bamboo shoots, sliced
50g baby corn, sliced
50g button mushrooms
0.5 red pepper, sliced
50g bean sprouts
1 tbsp Coriander, chopped
10 Thai basil leaves, fresh


Method


1. For the Thai curry paste, combine the garlic cloves, green chillies, lemon grass, coriander roots, galangal, shallot, lime rind and juice, salt, cumin, coriander seeds and peppercorns. Grind to a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle, or tip everything into an electric food processor and blend.

2. Heat the groundnut oil in a wok over a high heat. Add the chicken chunks and fry for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently – the chicken should be cooked through. Remove from the pan and leave on one side while you make the curry.

3. Turn the heat down a bit and pour in 250ml of the coconut milk, followed by three tablespoons of the green curry paste.

4. Add the bamboo shoots, baby corn and mushrooms, stir to mix and pour in the remaining coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and tip in the red peppers and beansprouts. Return the chicken to the pan, reheat and scatter with coriander leaves and Thai basil before serving.

Enjoy....

Tom Yum Goong ~ Thai Shrimp Soup

Tom Yum is the most famous of Thai soups, it's a clear sour soup which is flavored with fresh lemon grass and kaffir lime leaf. The most well-known version uses shrimp (in Thai: goong, koon, kung)...

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 cups of water
2 stalks fresh lemon grass, trim off the very end of the root and smash with the side of a cleaver of chef's knife; cut into 1 inch pieces; or 2 pc dried
3 slices fresh galangal root(smashed) or 2 pc dried
3 fresh kaffir lime leave or 4 pc dried
1 Tbsp. tamarind paste, with or without seeds
1 Tbsp. fish sauce
3/4 lb shrimps, medium to large size, shelled and de-veined; butterfly if desired
12 fresh Thai chili peppers, whole
1/2 small white onion, cut 1/4 inch slices
2 Tbsp. roasted chili paste (nam prik pao)
1 (16 oz.) can straw mushrooms, drained and rinsed
1 small ripe tomato, cut into wedges 1/4 inch thick
1 small lime, squeezed

2 Springs fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Bring water to boil over high heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the lemon grass, galangal, kaffir lime leaf, fish sauce and tamarind paste (break apart the tamarind paste with your fingers as you add it). Add the shrimp, bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes. Add the onion, nam prik pao and straw mushrooms. Boil for another 7 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through. Add the chile peppers and tomatoes. Turn off the heat. Add the lime juice. Taste to adjust the seasoning, adding fish sauce to taste. Garnish with cilatantro if desired and serve.


Serves 3 to 4.
Serve in this Soup Serving Pot.