World Flavors Cookbook

Jaew Mak Len (Roasted Tomato Dipping Sauce)

Charred tomatoes and chilies pounded with fish sauce and padaek — the universal Lao dipping sauce eaten with sticky rice and grilled meats.

Cuisine: Laos

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 4 shallots, unpeeled
• 4 bird eye chilies
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp padaek or shrimp paste
• Cilantro and spring onions

Instructions

1. Grill or broil tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and chilies until charred.
2. Peel garlic and shallots.
3. Pound everything in a mortar — keep chunky.
4. Season with fish sauce and padaek.
5. Fold in cilantro and spring onions.