Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Red tree ants with beef and holy basil


Red tree ants with beef and holy basilA recommended starter before you move on to the skewered bugs.
You'll find all sorts of insects on the menu in Cambodia. Tarantulas included.
But the dish most appealing to foreign palates is stir-fried red tree ants with beef and holy basil.
Ants of various sizes, some barely visible and others almost an inch long are stir-fried with ginger, lemongrass, garlic, shallots and thinly sliced beef.
Lots of chilies complete the aromatic dish, without overpowering the delicate sour flavor that the ants impart to the beef.
This meal is served with rice, and if you're lucky you'll also get a portion of ant larvae in your bowl.

Bai sach chrouk: Pork and rice


Bai sach chrouk, pork and riceNo two bai sach chrouks are ever alike.Served early mornings on street corners all over Cambodia, bai sach chrouk, or pork and rice, is one of the simplest and most delicious dishes the country has to offer.
Thinly sliced pork is slow grilled over warm coals to bring out its natural sweetness. Sometimes the pork will be marinated in coconut milk or garlic -- no two bai sach chrouks are ever exactly the same.
The grilled pork is served over a hearty portion of broken rice, with a helping of freshly pickled cucumbers and daikon radish with plenty of ginger.
On the side, you'll often be given a bowl of chicken broth topped with scallions and fried onions.