Tasty Thursday Treats…

SPRING is here and I am full of energy and vigor!! Smiles are all aound and flowers are once in my hair.  It’s funny how our eating habit change from season to season,winter brings comfort foods,heavy and satisfying while spring brings light and refreshing fare.  I love eating Asian flavors in the spring;they are cooling and pleasing to my palette. Here is my newest love,I hope that you enjoy it too…HAPPY SPRING!!

Lemongrass Rice Patties

Gleaned from http://indiefixx.com

3 cups cold,day-old jasmine rice

¼ cup rice flour

1 tablespoon finely minced fresh lemongrass only the tender middle of the      stalk.

1 large finely chopped scallion

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger

¾ teaspoon finely grated or minced lime zest

¼ cup coconut milk

1 large egg

pinch of salt

oil,for frying

Honey-Lime Sauce

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

pinch of finely grated or chopped fresh lime zest

½ teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

¾ teaspoon soy sauce

In a large bowl,mix together all of the ingredients,except for the oil.  The best way to really incorporate all of the ingredients is to mix using your bare hands.

In a large skillet set over medium high heat,heat enough vegetable oil to just cover the bottom of the pan.  When the oil is hot and just beginning to shimmer,form a small patty out of a scant ¼ cup of the rice mixture and gently place the patty in the hot oil.  Place enough patties in the pan to cook them comfortably without crowding them.  Cook one side of the patties until they are light golden in color,about 3 minutes,then carefully flip the patties over and cook until the other side has turned nicely golden.  Remove the patties from the pan and place on a layer of paper towels set on top of a wire rack.  This set up will allow the patties to drain and cool without becoming soggy.

Form and cook remaining rice mixture in the same manner,adjusting the heat of the pan as necessary to prevent the patties from cooking too rapidly and burning.

To make the sauce,whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.  The sauce is great for dipping,or it can be drizzled over the cooked patties en masse.

Makes about 12 rice patties.