Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of ant eggs
- 1/2 cup of shallots, chopped
- 1/4 cup of garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup of dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1/4 cup of palm sugar
- 1/4 cup of tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup of scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ant eggs and fry until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the shallots, garlic, and dried shrimp until smooth.
4. Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and water to the mortar and pestle or food processor and mix well.
5. Add the fried ant eggs to the mixture and mix well.
6. Add the roasted peanuts, cilantro, scallions, and lime juice to the mixture and mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve with vegetables or crackers for dipping.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ant eggs: can be substituted with other insect eggs or omitted entirely.
- Palm sugar: can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Tamarind paste: can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Dried shrimp: can be substituted with dried anchovies or omitted entirely.
Variations:
- Add chili peppers for a spicier dip.
- Use different herbs such as basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier dip.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fry the ant eggs until golden brown to ensure a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce and palm sugar to your taste preference.
- Use a mortar and pestle for a more authentic and flavorful dip.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a small bowl with vegetables or crackers for dipping.
- Garnish with cilantro or scallions.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or iced tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice or sticky rice.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add more water or lime juice to thin it out.
- If the dip is too salty, add more palm sugar or lime juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to thoroughly clean and cook the ant eggs before consuming.
Food history:
- Nam Phrik Maeng Da is a traditional Thai dish that originated in the Northern region of Thailand.
Flavor profiles:
- Salty, sweet, sour, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Thai