Homemade Spicy Laab (with recipe)

So, Laab (also known as Laap, Larp, Lahp, Lahb) is a family favorite around here!  It's a spicy minced meat salad that is usually eaten with/on greens.  Normally we use a Laab spice packet we buy at the Asian food store and eat it on Romaine leaves.  But last night, Brownie didn't find the packet in time and we proceeded to make our own while researching recipes online.  So this is our version!  It turned out great and I love that we can control the heat!  Laab is notoriously spicy; VERY spicy.

Never fear that this recipe calls for no salt or garlic....you won't be lacking flavor!  We had a beautiful organic head of cabbage, so we attempted to use it with our Laab, but....while the flavor was amazing, it just didn't work.  We were wishing we had our trusty Romaine leaves, so that's what we're going to list in the recipe.

If you're intimidated by Asian cooking, try this!  It's a simple process and it will impress anyone who tries it!  You'll be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 Lbs Ground Pork
• 1 Large Red Bell Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 1 Large Shallot - very thinly sliced
• 2 Green Onion - chopped
• 5 Tablespoons Lime Juice
• 6 Tablespoons Fish Sauce (we found a wonderful MSG-free one at a local Asian food store)
• 1 Tablespoon Cayenne (adjust if you want more or less spice)
• Whole Romaine Leaves, rinsed
• Chopped Green Onion (for garnish)
• Sweet Chili Sauce (for garnish - we found some at Market of Choice in the ethnic aisle)

Directions:

• Heat oil in a large skillet
• Brown pork in oil over medium heat until nearly cooked through
• Add shallot, green onion, bell pepper, cilantro, fish sauce and lime juice and cayenne to pan and mix with meat
• Simmer on Med/High uncovered until liquid is evaporated. (You'll still have a bid of oil in the bottom of the pan, that's fine)

NOTE:  Yes, Fish Sauce has a foul smell that will make you think of vile things.  Just go with it.  It will cook down and taste delicious!  Trust us.

Serve Laab scooped into Romaine leaves (like a taco) or over rice with chopped cabbage, top with chopped green onion and sweet chili sauce.

I'm not a fan of sweet chili sauce, but it's one of Brownie's favorites.  The regular cabbage was a total fail, but it was perfect chopped up with the Laab over rice!  SO good!  We made some bowls of this for our lunches today .... yes, it's delightful leftover too!

Enjoy!

Brownifer Thanksgiving!

If you've ever been invited to our Thankgsgiving feast, then you know how it is!  We make all the traditional dishes because we love turkey and those comfort food leftovers!  But we're a diverse bunch.

Our family loves ethnic food!  My mother always brings Jamaican favorites, Brownie and I change it up every year, but everyone always insists on my Indian chicken and my sister brings the Mexican flair.

This year, we had Jamaican Peas & Rice, Curry Goat, Indian Chicken, Laab with lettuce and Mole Chicken!

In one living room, it's game time and TV trays, in the other living room, it's coffee and visiting time.  Everyone moves about and mingles as they feel comfortable.  It's one of my favorite family get-togethers!

If we invite you, NEVER assume there won't be enough food!  Just come and enjoy!

Oh, bring wine! ;-)

First Attempt at Asian Cuisine!

Just a quick photo!

We love to eat Asian food of all kinds - but neither of us are incredibly talented at cooking it.  So Brownie broke out the wok and for the first time - successfully made us Asian cuisine!  Stir Fry Veggies with Noodles and Laab Lettuce Wraps.  SO good, I could do this every night!!!!