Spicy Hmong Salad
Makes 4 servings

In Wisconsin, home to thousands of Hmong Americans, a kind of Hmong "cole slaw" is made with carrots, cabbage or even cucumber; in Laos, the main ingredient would be unripe papaya.

6 cups finely shredded carrots, divided
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2-4 seeded, chopped red or green Thai (or other) chilies
½ cup roasted peanuts, ground
grated peel and juice of 1 lime
2 teaspoons bottled Thai fish sauce
2 teaspoons sugar

Combine 2 cups shredded carrots with garlic and peppers in wooden mortar or bowl. Smash mixture with wooden pestle or sturdy spoon until mashed and somewhat juicy. This will take several minutes. Add remaining ingredients, including remaining carrots; continue to smash until carrots are limp and juicy, 5-10 minutes.

Copyright by Terese Allen