Nuoc cham dipping sauce

3 /4 cup

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Stephen Ceideburg
2Cloves garlic
2Fresh chile peppers, preferably Serrano
1tablespoonSugar
3tablespoonsFish sauce
2½tablespoonFresh lime juice
4tablespoonsWater

Directions

This sauce truly defines Vietnamese cuisine. It goes well with deep fried, roasted and grilled foods. [Amen! S.C.] In a mortar, pound the garlic, chile pepper and sugar into a paste.

(Or blend in a food processor or blender.) [It's better in a mortar.

Trust me... S.C.] Transfer mixture to a bowl and add fish sauce, lime juice and water; stir to blend. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes or until ready to serve. Strain mixture into dipping saucers. [Not me--I prefer a chunky texture. S.C.]

Makes about ¾ cup.

Submitted By JOELL ABBOTT On 10-24-94