Nam Sod

This, my dear friends, is Nam Sod.  Nam Sod is sort of like the Thai version of the popular Lettuce Wrap.  We've been ordering this dish at Thai restaurants for YEARS.  It serves as a great appetizer (with coconut soup to follow) or a great entree for 2.  It's this delicious tangy, totally savory dish that works so well against the crispy-ness of the cabbage.  With peanuts for an added crunch and mint for a little freshness?  Yes please.  These flavors, in my opinion, are one in a million.  The best part is, IT'S A CINCH TO MAKE!  This recipe was adapted from Cooking Light:

Ingredients:

• Canola Oil
• 1 pound ground turkey breast 
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup finely chopped green onions (I omitted because I didn't have them)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I added more)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (like  'Thai Kitchen')
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon chile paste with garlic ('sambal oelek' is the name for this stuff.  Found in the international section of your grocery store or commissary)
• 1 package of mint leaves (my own addition- you definitely want either Mint or Cilantro to garnish)
• Dry Roasted peanuts (again, a must)

Directions:

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a couple tablespoons of canola oil. Add turkey to pan; cook 5 minutes or until done, breaking up with a wooden sppon to crumble. Remove turkey from pan; set aside to cool.
•  Combine onion slices and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Let stand 10 minutes. Stir turkey into onion mixture.
•  Serve turkey mixture in cabbage leaves and top with peanuts, mint/cilantro, and more limes!

Enjoy!  This dish is a total keeper and seriously- it's so easy and quick to make on a busy weeknight!

 A closer look at the goodness that is Nam Sod