*Serves 2 as a main course, 4 if served as part of a shared meal.
*Thai fish sauce is available from supermarkets or Asian grocers. It is one of the basic ingredients in Thai food. Do not be deterred by the “fishy” smell; it is pungent but adds umami flavour and is counteracted by the use of lime juice and herbs. It is readily available in supermarkets.
*Palm sugar is produced from the sap of several different varieties of palms. It has a mild caramel flavour and is not as “sickly” sweet as regular cane sugar. It is available in supermarkets and Asian grocers.
* This is rice, frequently sticky/glutinous white rice but can be other white rice. The rice is toasted in a wok or frying pan and then ground to a coarse powder. It adds a nutty flavour and absorbs liquids. I have used Jasmine rice.
*Do not slice the mint until shortly before serving as it will blacken.
*This is more rice than you will need. You can make less but I like to have some extra on hand.