Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw Recipe: A Refreshing Thai Dish with Cashew Milk

Welcome to the world of Thai cuisine, where flavors dance on your palate and freshness reigns supreme. Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish known as Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw, a traditional Northern Thai noodle dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. To elevate this dish, we’ll incorporate creamy cashew milk, giving it a nutty richness that beautifully complements the vibrant flavors. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw:

• 200g Kanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles)
• 200g ground pork (or substitute with minced mushrooms for a vegetarian option)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or tamari for a vegan alternative)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh vegetables (bean sprouts, morning glory, or your choice)
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil and cilantro) for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

For the Cashew Milk:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)
• 4 cups water
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup for sweetness

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Milk

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. In a blender, combine the cashews, water, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Taste and add maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Blend again for a few seconds.
4. Strain the cashew milk through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp, if desired. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the ground pork (or minced mushrooms) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
3. Stir in the chili paste, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. While the broth simmers, prepare the Kanom Jeen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the fresh vegetables to the broth and cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Serve

1. To serve, place a portion of Kanom Jeen noodles in a bowl.
2. Ladle the hot broth with meat and vegetables over the noodles.
3. Drizzle with cashew milk, and garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: When choosing your pork, opt for fresh, high-quality meat for the best flavor. If you’re going vegetarian, use a hearty mushroom variety, such as shiitake or portobello, for a meaty texture.
• Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more chili paste or fresh chilies to the dish. Conversely, you can tone it down by using less chili paste.
• Make it Ahead: The broth can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari).
• If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the cashew milk with coconut milk for a different but equally delicious creamy texture.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability, such as zucchini or bell peppers.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a light salad with a citrus-based dressing to balance the richness of the dish. For dessert, consider a light mango sticky rice to round out your meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw with cashew milk is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. The combination of creamy cashew milk and the hearty broth will leave you craving more.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe, making it your own by adjusting flavors or ingredients according to your preferences. Don’t forget to share your creations and let others in on this delightful culinary adventure!

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our collection of Thai dishes and techniques to enhance your cooking skills. Happy cooking!