Horapha. Kaphrao and maenglak are varieties of sweet basil, annuals growing about 40 cm high. Horapha seems to be the nearest to the sweet basil used

Vegetarian Thai Cooking

The strong influence of Buddhist culture and economic conditions of the country are responsible for the presence of vegetarianism in Thailand.

Thai cuisine or Thai cooking thrives on the exotic blends of spices and fresh key ingredients like lemon grass, galangal, basil and kaffir lime leaves. For obtaining the authentic flavor these ingredients are subjected to sautéing, grilling, grinding and frying based on the need of the recipe.

5 key flavours (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy) dominate a typical Thai meal. Usually a typical meal combines each of the variety for e.g. a spicy soup, with a bland curry dish and salad, so that one enjoys a harmony of textures and taste within individual dishes and the entire meal.

One key rule of Thai cuisine is that all the raw materials have to be ready before the actual cooking starts. The actual cooking only lasts for a few minutes.

Hope you enjoy the recipes posted and take full delight of a vegetarian Thai meal.

Vegetable Recipe

2 tbsp – Oil

2 No – Dry red chillies large chopped

10 No – Green beans sliced

2 No – Shallots sliced

5 No – Baby corns sliced

¼ cup – Bean sprouts

¼ cup – Roasted cashews

1 tsp – Garlic finely chopped

1 tbsp – Soy sauce

2 tbsp – Vegetable stock or cube crushed

¼ tsp – Sugar

1/8 tsp – Peppercorns crushed

Salt to taste

Heat oil in a wok or a pan, add garlic and cook till brown.

Add the rest of the vegetables and cook on high heat.

Add the seasonings and mix well.

Turn the vegetables on to a serving dish and garnish with coriander.

Serve this vegetable with Thai rice and curry. Or you may also create a fusion meal by combining it with some Chinese recipe.