Jamal_
Tasty Apprentice
Hey, foodies! Today, let's indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with Yum Hua Plee, a delightful salad made from banana blossoms that offers a unique combination of textures and tastes. This dish features tender banana blossoms tossed with a zesty dressing, creating a refreshing and crunchy salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large banana blossom (about 2 cups), outer layers removed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass (optional, for extra fragrance)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped galangal (optional, for added spice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Banana Blossom:
- Remove tough outer layers of the banana blossom until you reach the tender inner layers. Thinly slice the tender part and soak in cold water with a bit of lime juice or vinegar to prevent browning.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, finely chopped shallots, lemongrass (if using), and galangal (if using) until the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Drain the sliced banana blossom and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced banana blossom, chopped shrimp (if using), shredded chicken breast (if using), halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced Thai bird's eye chilies.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Transfer Yum Hua Plee to a serving dish.
- Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and fresh mint leaves.
Serving Suggestion:
- Enjoy Yum Hua Plee as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. The combination of crunchy banana blossoms and zesty dressing will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant flavors of Thailand!