Rosemary Parkinson Freelance Writer
Sawatdee Thailand. Hello Thailand land of bustling cities and villages with people of deep religious beliefs that give rise to magnificent temples of golden Buddha.
Their humility has seen them through many a catastrophe, such as the recent tsunami. Throughout it all they have kept their faith.
Food is today looking into the exquisite cuisine of Thailand. With its superior blending and harmony of ingredients and flavours, Thai cuisine is fast becoming known around the world, and is now touching Jamaica.
Located in South East Asia, Thailand's climate plays a big role in its cuisine. However, the indomitable spirit of the Thai people plays an even bigger role. Their hard work to ensure a vibrant agricultural sector is critical in the creation of a cuisine that is among the healthiest in the world because of the use of fresh ingredients.
Thai food is also known for its complexity in the use of herbs and spices that bring out the most incredible of tastes tastes so aromatic and yet subtle that the palate is allowed to
simply enjoy every morsel. For instance, a typical Thai meal could consist of one very spicy dish, such as a curry, but the addition of two or three milder dishes set off and complement the flavour of the spices.
Meats are used sparingly and are usually accompanied by fresh vegetables and plain boiled rice. Contrary to what some people think, Thais do not eat with chopsticks, they use forks and spoons. The spoon is used to scoop up just enough for a bite on the plate as it is considered rude to put more than that on your plate at any given time.
COCONUT MILK IN THE CURRY
Coconut milk is always used in curries and desserts. Curry paste is made by pounding spices in a stone mortar and pestle. Fish sauce, soy sauce, sea salt, black and white pepper mixed with a variety of spices are used for seasoning.
By the way, did you know that Thai fish sauce is made from anchovies and sea salt? A layer of salt in an earthenware jug is followed by a layer of fish, then salt and then a bamboo screen with a heavy rock on top. The jugs are left out in the sun for about a year. Thank goodness we are able to bypass that little pastime and purchase our fish sauce in most supermarkets that carry Asian products.
Among the herbs and spices used in Thailand are fresh lemon grass, galangal root, Thai ginger, Kaffir limes and cilantro.
Last week reviewer Rosemary Parkinson highlighted Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant at Swept Away Resort in Negril. This week try your hand at cooking Thai with recipes from Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant, as well as recipes from Sunai Phung Phee, Sous Chef at Sandals Royal Caribbean's Royal Thai Restaurant, Montego Bay.
Enjoy and Khorb Kun (thank you).
