Friday, August 1, 2008

Isan Food - Chaeo Bong

Let's start today menu "Chaeo Bong (Anchovy Dip)"

Recipe from: Colonel Ian F. Khuntilanont-Philpott

This is a traditional Isan (North East Thailand) dip for barbecued meals, steamed fish and vegetable dishes. The traditional method of cooking the anchovies is as shown below: if you prefer you can wrap them in aluminum foil and roast them in a medium oven for 15 minutes. You can also remove the heads and backbones first. You can also use tinned anchovies (drain and use - they are already cooked).

5 bai makrut (kaffir lime leaves),

shredded
½ pound. anchovies
¼ cup lemon grass
¼ cup shallots, chopped
¼ cup kha (galangal) chopped
3 tablespoon prik ki nu (green birdseye chilis), sliced
¼ cup tamarind juice (or rice vinegar)
3 tablespoon garlic, sliced

Wrap the anchovies in banana leaves, and place on the embers of a charcoal brazier until the leaf blackens. Remove from the fire and unwrap. Discard the heads and backbones of the fish. Combine all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle or food processor. Will keep for about 3 weeks if refrigerated. credit:allthaifood

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