Simple Laotian Cooking (The Hippocrene Cookbook Library) (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: satay sauce, cup sliced lemongrass, stir constantly until light brown, United States, Peanut Sauce, Tomato Sauce (more...)

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Product Description

Located in southeastern Asia between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is a landlocked country covered by mountains and forests. Because vegetable oil used to be a costly commodity they had to import, Laotians use it sparsely, preferring instead to flavor their dishes with a profusion of herbs and spices. They also eat a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables but very little meat, making their cuisine a healthful yet flavorful choice for home cooks.

Simple Laotian Cooking offers 172 recipes, including a section on the traditional Lob, a dish usually made with beef but also with chicken, fish, or wild game, which is reserved for holidays and special occasions. Served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables, it is one of the few dishes accompanied by wine. A glossary defines staple ingredients like bamboo shoots, cilantro, coconut milk, fresh ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. The author also incorporates western ingredients in her dishes, making Laotian cuisine even easier to cook.

About the Author

Penn Hongthong was born and raised in Laos. She and her older sister were in charge of cooking for the whole family, which included seven other children. Hongthong emigrated to the United States at 18 but still favors her traditional Laotian diet to this day. She regularly teaches classes on Laotian and Thai cooking near her home on Long Island, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 225 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books; illustrated edition edition (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781809630
• ISBN-13: 978-0781809634
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #239,417 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is terrible!, October 18, 2005

By	Serena Unger - See all my reviews

This book should be called "Simple Thai & Chinese Cooking" because all the recipes are thai or chinese. I didn't find any authentic laotion recipes. Examples of recipes they have: Fried Wonton, Skewed Chicken, Bok Choy and Tofu Soup, Vegetable Fried Rice, ORANGE PORK!!! No special recipes whatsoever. The only laotion recipies I saw were for Lob.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uses ingredients readily accessible in American markets, November 14, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

There are very few Laotion cookbooks on the market, making Penn Hongthong's Simple Laotian Cooking a welcome addition. Almost two hundred recipes offer traditional dishes which surprisingly use ingredients readily accessible in American markets, so cooks will have no problem preparing Pork with Cauliflower or Green Curry Beef.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply wonderful, December 29, 2008

By	Sonja A. Wanichek "add-to-your-cart" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have always loved laotian food, I love it even more because now I know how to cook it. This book was actually a gift from Penn's nephew. I also purchased an additional book to give to my boss who is laotian. The spring rolls are to die for. This book is a must.... Don't forget to check out her second book coming soon!