“”Laap”” is a Lao meat salad. Since “”moo”” means pork, laap moo is a pork salad. It is considered the unofficial national dish of Laos.It is a spicy salad rich in fresh herbs and aromas and is characterized by khao kua or baked sticky rice powder. It is high in protein, gluten-free and very tasty. It is also very easy to make!
Ingredients for Larp
The most important and essential ingredient is kao kua (baked sticky rice powder). You can buy it or make it at home.
Raw sticky rice (glutinous rice) is baked in a pan over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure even browning. Bake until the rice is a nice dark brown color. Allow to cool and then grind with a mortar and pestle. A spice mill or coffee grinder may be substituted. Store the kao kua in an airtight container in the freezer.
You will also need chili powder. Chili flakes can be substituted. Thai-style fresh chilies are also used to add color and spiciness. Fresh chilies can be omitted if you do not want it too hot.
Herbs for Larp
This dish is filled with herbs such as mint, cilantro, green onions, and shallots. If you don’t have shallots, you can replace them with red onions. Roughly chop the mint leaves; finely chop the cilantro and scallions. Shallots should also be chopped finely.
Heat a wok or frying pan over medium heat and add a good amount of oil (not including the quantity of oil). Add ground pork and water, stirring constantly until pork is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
In a separate pan, add the glutinous rice, chili powder, chopped chilies, fish sauce, and lime juice, which have been emptied and mashed, and mix well.
Add the herbs and shallots and mix well. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.
