In between the heavy (but delicious) foods of the holidays, you might crave something crisp and fresh. Try this easy larb recipe. Larb, which is essentially an Asian salad with meat, is considered the national dish of Laos. Enjoy the wonderful mix of sweet, salty, spicy and meaty.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground chicken
  • 2/3 c. lime juice
  • 1/3 c. Asian fish sauce
  • 1 tbs. sugar
  • 2 tsps. Asian hot sauce (Sriracha or Sambal Oelek)
  • 3/4 c. chicken broth
  • 1 c. sliced green onions
  • 3/4 c. sliced shallots
  • 3 tbs. thinly-sliced fresh lemongrass
  • 1 tbs. sliced chilis
  • 1/2 c. chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 c. chopped fresh mint
  • 2 small heads of Boston lettuce, washed and separated into leaves

Guidelines

  • Whisk together the lime juice, sugar, fish sauce and hot sauce
  • Bring broth to a simmer in a skillet and add the ground chicken breaking it up and mixing it up until it is cooked (5-10 minutes)
  • Add the green onions, shallots, lemongrass and chilis and stir for 5 minutes (approximately), until the vegetables are cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice sauce, cilantro, and mint
  • Taste and add salt, pepper or hot sauce, as appropriate
  • Place the lettuce leaves on a platter and fill with a spoonful of meat
  • Eat with your fingers