Lemon Grass Spicy Vegetables (Pat Pet Takrai)

2 lg Dried red chilis

-- coarsely chopped 1 ts Coarsely chopped galangal

2 sm Red shallots

-- coarsley chopped 3 oz Ready-fried beancurd

-- finely diced Oil; for deep-frying 2 tb Oil

1 tb Finely chopped garlic

1 tb Lemongrass, finely chopped

-- into rings 1 tb Grated coconut

2 oz Long beans; coarsely chopped

-- into 1-inch lengths 1 md Broccoli stem

-- coarsely chopped at an -- angle into 1-inch lengths 2 oz Baby sweetcorn

-- roughly chopped at an -- angle into 1-inch lengths 1 Carrot; finely chopped

-- into matchsticks 3 tb Vegetable stock

2 tb Light soy sauce

1/2 ts Sugar

In a mortar, pound together the chilis, galangal and shallots to form a paste and set aside. Deep-fry the beancurd dice until crispy brown, drain and set aside. Heat the 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and fry the garlic golden brown. Stir in the paste, add the lemon grass and coconut, stirring well. Add all the vegetables and briefly stir-fry. Add the stock, soy sauce and sugar. Stir well and turn on to a serving dish. Source: The Lemon Grass Restaurant, Bangkok _Thai Vegetarian Cooking_ by Vatcharin Bhumichitr Typed for you by Karen Mintzias