Or Lam Nok Kho

Or Lam Nok Kho Recipe from Laos - Quail, Eggplants, and Fresh Chilli Peppers

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Or Lam Nok Kho is a traditional Laotian dish that features a unique combination of flavors and textures. This dish is made with a variety of ingredients, including dried quail, eggplants, peppers, lemon grass, and various herbs and spices. The dish is cooked in a flavorful broth and served with a side of fresh vegetables.

History

Or Lam Nok Kho has its origins in Laos, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish is often prepared for special occasions and gatherings, as it is considered a special and flavorful dish. The combination of ingredients in Or Lam Nok Kho reflects the rich culinary traditions of Laos.

Ingredients

1 dried quail, matured until almost mouldy, divided into separate breast and leg parts, washed and placed on a plate
7 round eggplants
5 large fresh green chilli peppers
1 stalk of lemon grass
3 straight-bulbed spring onions
sa-kahn (an aromatic plant), cut into pieces about 5 cm long and 5 cm thick (approximately 10 pieces), washed
3 young shoots of rattan, cooked by being placed directly on a charcoal fire and peeled to leave only the soft part, which is to be cut into pieces 2 cm long and washed
1 bunch of phak tam nin (a leafy green), picked over to keep only the leaves and tops, which are to be washed
dill, washed and cut into pieces about 2 cm long
spring onion (the green parts), cut into pieces about 2 cm long and washed
sweet basil leaves, washed
1 piece of crisp-fried pork skin, cut into squares of 5 cm and placed on a plate
padek
salt
2 yards of long beans, cut into pieces about 2 cm long

How to prepare

Place 2 pt (946 ml) of water in a pot and heat it on the stove.
Add the prepared bird, eggplants, chili peppers, spring onions, lemon grass, so-kahn, and salt.
Cover the pot and let it boil.
Suspend the padek in a padek basket and add it to the soup.
Once the eggplants and chili peppers are cooked, remove them and pound them.
Return the mixture to the pot.
When it starts boiling again, add the phak toni nin and yard-long beans.
Once everything is cooked, add the pieces of pork skin and chopped coriander leaves. Taste and adjust the saltiness.
Serve the dish in a bowl, garnished with chopped spring onion leaves.
Serve with young cucumbers, older eggplants, and other fresh vegetables such as salad leaves and watercress.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of Or Lam Nok Kho, omit the quail meat and pork skin and add tofu or tempeh for protein. You can also customize the dish with your favorite vegetables and herbs for a unique twist on this traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing Or Lam Nok Kho, it is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Be sure to cook the quail and vegetables until they are tender, but not overcooked. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or spices as needed. Serve the dish hot and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Or Lam Nok Kho can be served with a side of steamed rice or sticky rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of fresh vegetables for a colorful and nutritious presentation.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Or Lam Nok Kho is simmering the ingredients in a flavorful broth until they are tender and cooked through. Be sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent the dish from boiling over.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find quail meat, you can substitute with chicken or turkey. You can also use different types of vegetables and herbs based on your preferences and what is available.

Make Ahead Tips

Or Lam Nok Kho can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Or Lam Nok Kho in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a side of steamed rice. You can also serve the dish family-style in a large serving bowl for a communal dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Or Lam Nok Kho pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Enjoy this dish with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Or Lam Nok Kho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Or Lam Nok Kho is approximately 300 calories, making it a moderate calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan.

Carbohydrates

Or Lam Nok Kho is a carbohydrate-rich dish, thanks to ingredients like eggplants, peppers, and long beans. These vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, making this dish a healthy and satisfying option.

Fats

The fats in Or Lam Nok Kho come from the quail meat and pork skin. While these ingredients add flavor and richness to the dish, it is important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

Quail meat is a good source of protein in Or Lam Nok Kho, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. Including protein-rich ingredients in this dish helps to make it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Or Lam Nok Kho is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables and herbs used in the recipe. Eggplants, peppers, and herbs like dill and basil provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains quail meat and pork skin, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing and serving Or Lam Nok Kho.

Summary

Or Lam Nok Kho is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as part of a varied and balanced diet for optimal health and wellness.

Summary

Or Lam Nok Kho is a delicious and nutritious dish that showcases the flavors and ingredients of Laos. This dish is perfect for special occasions or gatherings, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Enjoy Or Lam Nok Kho with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Or Lam Nok Kho. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a bustling market in a small village in Laos. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of herbs and spices, and I couldn't help but be drawn to a stall where a kind old woman was cooking up a delicious-smelling stew.

As I approached the stall, the woman smiled warmly at me and gestured for me to come closer. She spoke in a language I didn't understand, but her eyes sparkled with kindness as she motioned for me to try a spoonful of the stew she was preparing. I took a hesitant sip, and my taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors - spicy, savory, and fragrant.

I couldn't help but ask the woman for the recipe, and to my surprise, she agreed to teach me how to make it. We spent the entire afternoon together, me scribbling down notes as she expertly chopped and stirred, explaining each step in a gentle and patient manner. By the time the sun began to set, I had the recipe for Or Lam Nok Kho firmly etched in my memory.

Over the years, I have refined and perfected the recipe, adding my own twist to it while still staying true to the traditional flavors that first captivated me. Whenever I make Or Lam Nok Kho, the memories of that day in the bustling market come flooding back, and I am reminded of the kindness of strangers and the joy of discovering new and delicious recipes.

To make Or Lam Nok Kho, you will need a variety of ingredients that can be found in most Asian markets. Start by gathering lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, garlic, bird's eye chilies, and cilantro. You will also need some pork belly, chicken, or beef, depending on your preference.

To begin, finely chop the lemongrass, galangal, shallots, and garlic. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Toss in the chopped aromatics and sauté until fragrant. Next, add in the meat and sear until browned on all sides.

Once the meat is browned, add in the kaffir lime leaves, bird's eye chilies, and enough water to cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least an hour, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Finally, add in a generous handful of cilantro and season with salt and fish sauce to taste. Serve the Or Lam Nok Kho hot with a side of sticky rice or steamed vegetables.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious dish as much as I do. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the kindness of strangers and the joy of discovering new flavors and cuisines. Happy cooking!