Keng Kalampi Jak

Keng Kalampi Jak Recipe - Traditional Pork and Cabbage Dish from Laos

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Keng Kalampi Jak is a traditional Cambodian soup that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This hearty soup is made with a variety of ingredients such as pork, cabbage, shallots, and eggs, all simmered in a flavorful broth.

History

Keng Kalampi Jak has been a popular dish in Cambodia for generations. It is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during the colder months, as it is both warming and nourishing.

Ingredients

pork bones, washed and trimmed of all fat
6 straight-bulbed spring onions
2 bunches coriander
10 small shallots, peeled and sliced
2 hen's eggs
4-5 tbsp minced pork, the red meat only, a quantity equivalent to a duck's egg
1 large bowl of sliced cabbage
finely chopped coriander leaves
ground black pepper
salt
fish sauce

How to prepare

Place 2 pt (946 ml) of water in a pot. Place the pot on the stove. Add the prepared bones, spring onions, coriander, and salt to the pot. Cover it and let it boil until the meat separates from the bones. Remove the pot from the stove. Strain the soup and return it to the pot. Place it back on the stove and let it boil again. Then, add the cabbage, shallots, and fish sauce. Gradually add minced pork using a fork. Once the vegetables are cooked, taste and check the saltiness. Crack the hen's eggs into the soup and stir to incorporate them. Serve the soup in a bowl, garnished with chopped coriander leaves and ground black pepper.

Variations

You can customize Keng Kalampi Jak by adding your favorite vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, be sure to use fresh ingredients and season generously with salt, fish sauce, and black pepper. For a richer broth, you can also add a splash of coconut milk.

Serving Suggestions

Keng Kalampi Jak can be served as a main dish with steamed rice on the side. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Keng Kalampi Jak is to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork, you can use chicken or beef instead. You can also substitute the cabbage with bok choy or spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

Keng Kalampi Jak can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Keng Kalampi Jak with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the soup in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Keng Kalampi Jak pairs well with a side of jasmine rice or crusty bread. A light and refreshing salad would also complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Keng Kalampi Jak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Keng Kalampi Jak contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Keng Kalampi Jak contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Keng Kalampi Jak contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Keng Kalampi Jak contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Keng Kalampi Jak is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Keng Kalampi Jak is a nutritious and satisfying soup that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a healthy and filling meal.

Summary

Keng Kalampi Jak is a delicious and nutritious Cambodian soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up on a cold day.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, on a warm summer day, when I stumbled upon the secret to making Keng Kalampi Jak. I remember it as if it were yesterday, the excitement and thrill of uncovering a new recipe to add to my collection.

I was visiting a remote village in Thailand, where I had the pleasure of meeting a kind elderly woman who invited me into her home. As we sat down to chat, she began to prepare a delicious-smelling dish that filled the room with an enticing aroma. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, and she smiled warmly before revealing the name of the dish - Keng Kalampi Jak.

Intrigued by the exotic name, I watched intently as she chopped, mixed, and cooked with grace and skill. She explained each step of the process to me, sharing the secrets and techniques that had been passed down through generations in her family. I was captivated by her passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving the traditional recipes of her culture.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I eagerly awaited the moment when I could finally taste it. The rich, savory aroma filled my senses, and I knew that this would be a dish to remember. When it was finally served, I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavors and spices unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

The combination of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and spicy chilies created a symphony of taste that danced on my palate. Each bite was a revelation, a journey through the culinary traditions of a faraway land. I savored every mouthful, savoring the flavors and textures that had been lovingly crafted by the hands of a master chef.

After the meal, I thanked the elderly woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me. She smiled and patted my hand, her eyes twinkling with pride. She told me that cooking was a way of connecting with others, of sharing a part of oneself with the world. I nodded in agreement, knowing that I had found not just a new recipe, but a new friend in this kind woman.

I returned home with the recipe for Keng Kalampi Jak tucked safely in my bag, eager to recreate the flavors of that magical day. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the steps with care and precision. As the dish simmered on the stove, I closed my eyes and let the memories of my time in the village wash over me.

When the dish was finally ready, I served it to my family with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Their eyes widened in surprise as they took their first bites, their taste buds awakening to the bold and complex flavors of Keng Kalampi Jak. They praised me for my skills in the kitchen, but I knew that the true credit belonged to the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me.

From that day on, Keng Kalampi Jak became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy and wonder of this exotic dish wherever I went. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to the elderly woman in the village, a bond forged through the love of food and the joy of cooking.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that cooking has brought into my life. The recipe for Keng Kalampi Jak is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting bonds and cherished moments.

And so, I will continue to cook and share this recipe with others, passing on the traditions and flavors that have enriched my life in so many ways. For me, Keng Kalampi Jak is not just a dish - it is a story, a journey, and a legacy that will live on in the hearts and taste buds of those who are fortunate enough to experience it.