Hta Min Thouk

Hta Min Thouk Recipe from Burma with Rice, Prawn Powder, Pepper Oil, and Lemon Juice

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hta Min Thouk is a traditional Burmese rice salad that is bursting with flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

History

Hta Min Thouk has been a staple in Burmese cuisine for generations. It is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the fresh and vibrant flavors of the region.

Ingredients

1 cup of rice
2 tbsp of prawn powder
1 tsp of pepper oil
1 tbsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

Prepare some rice.
Combine oil and pepper in a pot and bring it to a boil.
If available, sprinkle prawn powder over the rice.
Mix the pepper oil with the rice.
Squeeze the lemon and add its juice to the rice.
Voila! You have a rice salad.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, or bell peppers for added crunch.
Substitute the prawn powder with fish sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is fluffy and tender.

- Toasting the prawn powder before adding it to the rice will enhance its flavor.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hta Min Thouk as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Hta Min Thouk is to mix the pepper oil with the rice while it is still warm to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If prawn powder is not available, you can use fish sauce or soy sauce as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Hta Min Thouk can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix in the lemon juice right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Hta Min Thouk with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hta Min Thouk with a light and crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Fats: 3g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Hta Min Thouk is a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawn powder).

Summary

Hta Min Thouk is a nutritious and balanced dish that is low in calories and high in carbohydrates.

Summary

Hta Min Thouk is a delicious and nutritious Burmese rice salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a local market in Myanmar with my dear friend Ma Khin. As we wandered through the bustling stalls, the aroma of spices and fresh produce filled the air. I felt like a child in a candy store, eager to try everything I saw.

Ma Khin and I had been friends for many years, and she had always been my go-to source for authentic Myanmar recipes. She had a knack for finding the best ingredients and creating delicious dishes that never failed to impress. As we strolled through the market, Ma Khin suddenly stopped in front of a small stall selling a variety of traditional Burmese foods.

"Ah, Hta Min Thouk!" she exclaimed, pointing to a large pot filled with a fragrant soup. "This is one of my favorite dishes. It's a traditional recipe from the Shan region of Myanmar."

I had never heard of Hta Min Thouk before, but I was intrigued by Ma Khin's enthusiasm. She explained that it was a simple yet flavorful soup made with pork, tomatoes, and lemongrass, seasoned with a blend of traditional spices. I could practically taste the rich broth and tender meat just from her description.

As we watched the vendor dish out steaming bowls of Hta Min Thouk to eager customers, Ma Khin turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Why don't we try making this at home?" she suggested. "I'll teach you the recipe, and we can enjoy a taste of Myanmar right in your own kitchen."

I eagerly agreed, and that evening we set to work creating our own version of Hta Min Thouk. Ma Khin guided me through each step, from marinating the pork in a blend of turmeric and garlic to simmering the soup with fresh tomatoes and lemongrass. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of simmering spices, and I felt a sense of pride as I stirred the pot, knowing that I was learning a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

After a few hours of cooking, our Hta Min Thouk was finally ready. I ladled out steaming bowls of the fragrant soup, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. As I took my first spoonful, I was transported back to that bustling market in Myanmar, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a place that felt like home.

Ma Khin and I savored every bite of our homemade Hta Min Thouk, savoring the flavors of our shared adventure in the kitchen. From that day on, it became a staple in my repertoire of recipes, a dish that never failed to bring back memories of that unforgettable day at the market with my dear friend.

As I look back on that moment now, I realize how much that simple recipe has come to mean to me. It's not just a dish to be enjoyed, but a reminder of the bond between friends, the joy of discovery, and the magic of creating something delicious from scratch. And every time I make a pot of Hta Min Thouk, I can't help but smile as I remember the day I found that recipe, and all the memories that came with it.