Discover a vibrant and flavorful dish from the heart of Northern Thailand: Canna Lily and Pork Stir-fry. This unique recipe showcases the surprisingly delicious and subtly sweet taste of canna lily flowers, often overlooked in Western cuisine. Paired with tender minced pork, fragrant garlic, and a touch of fiery chili, this stir-fry offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It's a surprisingly easy dish to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, introducing you to a fresh and exciting culinary adventure.
The vibrant colors alone will tempt your taste buds, promising a culinary journey unlike any other. From the preparation of the canna lily flowers to the final sizzling stir-fry, each step contributes to the overall deliciousness. Ready to experience the magic of this Northern Thai specialty? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Stove
Ingredients
- Canna lily flowers
- Minced pork: 100 grams
- Lemongrass: 1 stalk
- Garlic: 5 cloves
- Shallots: 5
- Chili peppers: 7
- Shrimp paste: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce
- Salt
- MSG
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Canna Lily Flowers and Aromatics
- Boil for 3 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain, rinse, and squeeze out excess water. Chop into small pieces.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound lemongrass, garlic, shallots, chili peppers, and shrimp paste until finely ground. Add the minced pork and pound until well combined.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Pork Mixture
- Heat oil in a pan. Add pounded garlic and fry until yellow. Set aside some fried garlic for garnish.
- Add the pounded pork mixture to the pan and stir-fry until cooked and fragrant. Season with fish sauce (or salt/MSG).
Step 3. Add and Cook the Canna Lily Flowers
- Add the chopped canna lily flowers and stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with the reserved fried garlic and serve.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- The white parts of the canna lily flowers are less bitter than the stems.
- Use low to medium heat to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Where can I find canna lily flowers?
Canna lily flowers are sometimes available at Asian grocery stores or farmers' markets. If you can't find them fresh, you might consider looking for them online from specialty suppliers.
2. Can I substitute the pork?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins cook at different rates.
This Stir-fried Canna Lily Flowers with Minced Pork recipe offers a unique and flavorful culinary experience, showcasing the versatility of this often-underutilized ingredient. We hope you enjoyed this journey into the tastes of Northern Thailand, and encourage you to experiment with different spice levels to personalize this delightful dish. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this special stir-fry!