FAST FOOD
Betel leaves topped with prawns and galangal

Betel leaves topped with prawns and galangal

Serves 20



2 tbsp   peanut oil
2   cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1   long red chilli, seeded and finely chopped
6 cm   piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated
6 cm   piece of galangal, peeled and finely grated
1.2 kg   medium green prawns, peeled, veins removed, coarsely chopped
1½ tbsp   fish sauce
1 tbsp   coconut cream
250 gm   beansprouts
1 cup   coriander leaves
20   betel leaves, washed and dried (see note)
35 gm (¼ cup)   raw peanuts, roasted and coarsely chopped
To serve:   lime wedges


1 Heat wok or large frying pan over high heat, add oil and heat until oil begins to smoke. Add half the garlic, chilli, ginger and galangal and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add half the prawns and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add half the fish sauce and coconut cream, toss to combine, then remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining halves of same ingredients, then add to prawn mixture in bowl and stand for 10 minutes. Stir in beansprouts and coriander leaves.
2 To serve, top betel leaves with 2 tbsp of prawn mixture, scatter with peanuts and serve with lime wedges.

Note Betel leaves – actually a leaf from a pepper tree – are available from Asian greengrocers and supermarkets.

RECIPE Rodney Dunn, Emma Knowles and Adelaide Lucas PHOTOGRAPHY William Meppem STYLING Vanessa Austin


Missed an edition of Gourmet Traveller?
Access our back issues from as far back as June 2010 at the tap of your finger, catch up on our latest issue or subscribe now by downloading the Gourmet Traveller iPad app today.

Visit the iTunes store


Search by cuisine, name, ingredients...