National dish of Thailand _Pad thai

 

Let's go to Thailand today, One of my favorite countries when it's come to food.

Introduction:-

Thailand is located in the centre of Southeast Asia, bounded by Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Malaysia to the west, the Andaman Sea to the north, and Laos to the west. It covers 513,120 square km.

National dish of Thailand _Pad thai

Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, eggs, and a variety of other ingredients. The dish is known for its sweet and sour flavors and is often served with peanuts and lime wedges.

The origins of Pad Thai can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Thailand was going through a period of modernization and nationalism. The government at the time was looking for ways to promote Thai culture and cuisine, and Pad Thai was created as a national dish to represent the country's unique flavors and ingredients.

The dish was originally called "kway teow pad Thai," which translates to "Thai-style stir-fried rice noodles." It was made with simple ingredients such as rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts, and was sold by street vendors in Bangkok.

During World War II, Thailand faced a shortage of rice due to the Japanese occupation, and the government promoted Pad Thai as a way to encourage people to eat noodles instead of rice. The dish became even more popular after the war, as the government continued to promote it as a national dish.

Today, Pad Thai is enjoyed by people all over the world and has become a staple in Thai cuisine. It is often served in restaurants and is also a popular street food in Thailand. The dish has evolved over time to include a variety of ingredients, and there are many different variations of the dish available. 

Here is a recipe for making Pad Thai, a popular Thai dish:

Ingredients:

- 8 oz. rice noodles

- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 shallot, chopped

- 1 red chili, sliced

- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 cup tofu, cubed

- 2 eggs, lightly beaten

- 1 cup bean sprouts

- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

- 2 tbsp. fish sauce

- 2 tbsp. tamarind paste

- 1 tbsp. palm sugar

- 1 lime, cut into wedges

- Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.

2. In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the garlic, shallot, and chili and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are pink and cooked through.

5. Add the tofu and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are slightly browned.

6. Push the shrimp and tofu to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then mix them into the shrimp and tofu mixture.

7. Add the soaked rice noodles and bean sprouts to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.

8. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar until well combined.

9. Pour the fish sauce mixture over the noodle mixture and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.

10. Serve hot with chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro on top.

Here are some precautions to keep in mind when making Pad Thai:

1. Use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent the noodles from sticking and burning.

2. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for the recommended time to ensure they are soft and pliable before cooking.

3. Do not overcook the noodles as they can become mushy and lose their texture.

4. Use fresh ingredients, such as shrimp, tofu, and vegetables, to ensure the dish has the best flavor and texture.

5. Be careful when handling the chili pepper, as it can irritate the skin and eyes. Consider wearing gloves or washing your hands thoroughly after handling it.

Let's see some benefits too. 

1. Nutritious: Pad Thai can be a nutritious dish that contains a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The vegetables and tofu used in Pad Thai are a good source of vitamins and minerals, while the peanuts provide healthy fats and protein.

2. Vegetarian and Vegan: Pad Thai can be made with tofu or vegetables, making it a good option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

3. Low in Fat: Pad Thai can be a low-fat dish, especially if made with tofu instead of meat. This can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

4. Flavorful: Pad Thai is a delicious and flavorful dish that can provide a satisfying meal with a unique taste.

5. Customizable: Pad Thai can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, it can be made with different vegetables, and the spice level can be adjusted to taste.

Overall, Pad Thai is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Have a great time eating your homemade pad Thai.☺