Myanmar - Gin Thoke (Ginger Mix)

Gin Thoke 

(Ginger Mix)

This after meal digestive tid bit is pronounced jintho . The Burmese are a very relaxed people. They sit around talking for a long time after meals and eat snacks like this instead of sweet desserts. Offer individual portions in very tiny bowls. and eat with the fingers.

Ingredients

-       125 g (4 oz) very tender fresh ginger

-       4-6 tablespoons lemon juice

-       2 tablespoons peanut oil

-       1 tablespoon sesame oil

-       12 cloves garlic, sliced

-       2-3 tablespoons sesame seeds

-       salt to taste

Directions

-       Ideally, the ginger root should be so young that the skin is almost transparent and the roots tipped with pink.

-       If the ginger you buy is more mature, use the small knobs growing off the main root. (The rest of the ginger can be peeled and preserved in a jar by covering with dry sherry Use in cooking.)

-       Scrape skin off ginger with a sharp knife and cut ginger into very thin slices, then cut the slices into fine slivers.

-       Marinate in lemon juice for at least 1 hour and the ginger will turn pink.

-       Meanwhile, heat peanut and sesame oil in a small frying pan and fry the sliced garlic slowly until pale golden.

-       Remove from heat immediately (it burns easily) and drain on absorbent paper.

-       Allow to cool and become crisp.

-       Put sesame seeds in a dry frying pan and stir constantly over moderate heat until golden brown.

-       Turn immediately on to a plate to cool.

-       When ready to serve. drain ginger from lemon juice and put in a bowl.

-       Add salt to taste and sprinkle with garlic and sesame seeds.

-       Toss together lightly.