This peppercorn-cilantro root paste may sound exotic but it's a classic Thai trick for imparting a lot of oomph without a lot of ingredients or expense.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Thai
Servings: 2to 3 tablespoons
Calories: 23
Ingredients
2teaspoonsblack peppercorns
5 to 6large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
Place the peppercorns in a mortar with the garlic and pound to a paste.
Add the cilantro roots and salt and pound to a paste. This will take 5 to 10 minutes. If you have a small blender or other food grinder that can produce a smooth paste, you can use it instead. (We tend to toss in a few cilantro stems along with the roots when we make this paste—just for good measure.)
Stir in the fish sauce.
Use the paste immediately or store in a well-sealed glass jar. This keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.