Laab (Thai ground beef salad)

 

                This dish, originally from the northeast of Thailand, is today served all over the country and is also very popular in the West. Beef is the meat most commonly used, but pork or chicken are also popular choices.

                To prepared roasted ground rice, tip a tin layer of sticky or other rice grains over the base of a heavy pan and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown. Allow the grains to cool, then grind them with a mortar and pestle or in food processor.

Serves 4 

• 250 gr ground lean beef
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 small white onions, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 15 ml finely chopped red chilies
• 15 ml finely chopped cilantro
• 45 ml finely chopped mint leaves
• 60 ml lime juice
• 45 ml fish sauce
• 30 ml roasted ground rice
• 5 ml salt
• 12 lettuce leaves, washed and patted dry
• Mint leaves, for garnish

1. Using a nonstick pan, brown the ground beef and garlic over medium heat ; transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow to cool.
2. Thoroughly mix in the onions, spring onions,chilies, cilantro, mint, lime juice, fish sauce, ground rice and salt.
3. To serve, spoon the meat mixture onto a lettuce leaf and top with the fresh mint leaves ; wrap the lettuce around the meat and eat with your fingers.

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