Thai Larb
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1-2 Tbsp. seeded and chopped jalapeno chiles
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped scallions
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
1 cup chicken broth
salt
large whole leaves of iceberg lettuce
Garnishes:
Sliced cucumbers
chopped cilantro
lime wedges
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cilantro, lime juice, chiles, garlic, green onions and fish sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer in a wok or large frying pan. Add the chicken mixture and stir, breaking it up, until cooked through but not brown, and the broth has evaporated.
Spoon off any fat that may have surfaced and add salt to taste. Chill or serve the dish at room temperature on lettuce leaves. Add the garnishes and serve with hot rice.
Yields 4 main course or 6 appetizer servings.