Nam Prik Ong (Thai Pork Dip)

Begin by adding the shallots, chili, and garlic to a large mortar and pestle. Begin crushing the ingredients, mashing everything. Get a spoon to assist, mixing with the spoon and crushing with the pestle. Once you have a mashed consistency, add in the raw pork and tomatoes. Continue the process, mashing the tomatoes into the pork and garlic mash.

To a large, heated skillet, add in the oil. Scoop out your pork mixture and add it to the skillet. Cook the pork mixture on medium to high heat until the pork is cooked through, stirring along the way.

Toss in the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Give it a good stir and continue to cook for a few additional minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

When you are ready to serve, add a mixture of vegetables to a serving dish. This is a scoop and eat dish. Forget the spoons. Use the veggies or pork cracklings. The platter consists of cucumbers, pea pods, peanuts, cracklings, broccoli, and fresh cilantro.

Add the pork to a small serving bowl and add this to your serving platter.

To eat, take a crackling or vegetable, scoop some of the pork mixture, top with a fresh cilantro sprig, and pop it into your mouth. Finish off with a couple of roasted peanuts.

The result is everything delightful. Not only is it fun to eat but you get the ultimate in flavor. That sour, salt, sweet, and a little spice makes every bite worth taking. Hope you enjoy.