Lephet Thoke

Lephet Thoke Recipe - Authentic Burmese Dish with Shrimp and Peanuts

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lephet Thoke, also known as Burmese tea leaf salad, is a traditional dish from Myanmar that is bursting with bold flavors and textures. This dish is made with fermented tea leaves, giving it a unique and tangy taste that is unlike any other salad you've tried before.

History

Lephet Thoke has been a staple in Burmese cuisine for centuries. The tradition of fermenting tea leaves dates back to ancient times in Myanmar, where tea was not only consumed as a beverage but also used in cooking. The combination of tea leaves with other ingredients like chilies, garlic, and peanuts creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

5 tbsp of fermented tea leaves (lephet)
2 bird's-eye chilies
3 tbsp of dried shrimp, soaked and pounded to a powdery form
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
3 tbsp of peanuts
1 tbsp of sesame seeds
2 tsp of fish sauce
2 tsp of fresh lime juice
1 tbsp of peanut oil

How to prepare

Soak the dried shrimp and pound them until they become powdery. Deep fry the garlic until it turns golden brown. Roast the peanuts and sesame seeds. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add shredded cabbage or lettuce to the salad for extra crunch and freshness.
Substitute the dried shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Include cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a pop of color and additional texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the dried shrimp before pounding them to a powdery form to ensure they are easy to incorporate into the salad.

- Deep fry the garlic until it turns golden brown to bring out its nutty flavor and add a crunchy texture to the salad.

- Roasting the peanuts and sesame seeds will enhance their nutty flavors and add a toasty aroma to the dish.

- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Lephet Thoke can be served as a side dish or as a main course with steamed rice. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Soak the dried shrimp before pounding them to ensure they are easy to incorporate into the salad.

- Deep fry the garlic until it turns golden brown to bring out its nutty flavor.

- Roast the peanuts and sesame seeds to enhance their nutty flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the fermented tea leaves with green tea leaves for a milder flavor.

- Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.

- Replace the fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Lephet Thoke can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to mix the salad well before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lephet Thoke in a shallow bowl or plate and garnish with extra peanuts and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Lephet Thoke pairs well with a cold glass of beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea. It also goes well with other Burmese dishes like Mohinga (fish noodle soup) or Shan-style noodles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lephet Thoke in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 8mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and shrimp

Summary

Lephet Thoke is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of energy and can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Lephet Thoke is a flavorful and nutritious salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its unique combination of fermented tea leaves, chilies, garlic, and peanuts, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Enjoy this traditional Burmese dish as a side or main course and savor the bold flavors of Myanmar in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Lephet Thoke. It was many years ago, during one of my trips to Myanmar. I had always been fascinated by the unique flavors and ingredients used in Burmese cuisine, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about it firsthand.

I had been wandering through the bustling markets of Yangon, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant street food stalls, when I came across a small, unassuming food cart. The woman behind the cart was busy mixing together a colorful medley of ingredients in a large wooden bowl, her hands deftly tossing and turning the mixture with practiced precision.

Intrigued, I approached her and asked what she was making. With a warm smile, she told me that she was preparing Lephet Thoke, a traditional Burmese tea leaf salad that was beloved throughout the country. She explained that the salad was made with fermented tea leaves, crunchy peanuts, fried garlic, sesame seeds, and a variety of other ingredients, all mixed together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

I watched in awe as she continued to work, her hands moving with a fluid grace that spoke of years of practice and experience. I could tell that she was a master of her craft, and I knew that I had to learn the secret behind her delicious dish.

After some gentle prodding, she agreed to teach me how to make Lephet Thoke. We spent the rest of the afternoon together, with her guiding me through each step of the process, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mixing them together in just the right proportions. I soaked up every bit of her wisdom like a sponge, eager to add this new recipe to my repertoire.

As we worked, she shared with me the history and tradition behind Lephet Thoke. She explained that the dish had been passed down from generation to generation, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. She told me stories of gatherings with friends and family, where the salad was served as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.

I was struck by the sense of community and connection that surrounded this simple dish, and I felt honored to be a part of that tradition. By the time we finished making the salad, I knew that it would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in sharing my newfound recipe for Lephet Thoke with my friends and family. They were amazed by the bold flavors and vibrant colors of the dish, and I was delighted to see their faces light up with each bite.

Over the years, I have continued to make Lephet Thoke for special occasions and gatherings, each time infusing the dish with memories of that warm afternoon in Yangon. I have added my own personal touches to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create a version that is uniquely mine.

But no matter how many times I make Lephet Thoke, it will always remind me of that chance encounter with the kind woman at the food cart, who generously shared her knowledge and passion with me. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and to carry on the tradition of this beloved Burmese dish in my own kitchen.

And so, as I prepare to make Lephet Thoke once again, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of adventure. I am forever grateful for the joy that this recipe has brought into my life, and I look forward to sharing it with many more generations to come.