Cashew Chicken with Thai Chili Plum Sauce

I was reading The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer a few months ago. The book is about an elite spy who is betrayed by his government. I guess after the success of the “Bourne” books, this is the plot du jour of the genre. Apparently, connoisseurs of the genre fancy him to be the next John le Carré. (He is the author of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.) Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of the genre. And the plot of the book seems overdone. But it was a page-turner.

I may not be a huge fan of the genre, but I am a huge fan of food. So imagine my delight when I saw a reference to my go-to Thai place, Land Thai. (A character in the book grabs takeout from Land Thai.) My husband and I used to go Land Thai at least once every couple of weeks. But for some reason, we haven’t been to the restaurant in months. Believe me I don’t need a reason to eat there; but it was a good reminder.

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Sweet and Sour Pickled Cucumbers and Daikons

There’s nothing like some refreshing Korean-style pickled cucumbers and/or radishes in the summer time. They are sweet, sour, and if you are so inclined, spicy. They keep for days, you can eat them with (or on) anything. They make a great side for any meat or poultry dish. And they are great on Asian noodles, bibimbap, burgers, tacos, or sandwiches.

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Gyeran Jjim (Korean Steamed Silken Eggs)

Gyeran or Gaeran Jjim (Korean Steamed Eggs) is often served as part of the banchan spread when you go to a Korean restaurant. But you don’t have to visit a Korean restaurant to enjoy this dish. It is one of the easiest dishes you can make at home. Additionally, you don’t have to limit its potential. It can be much more than a side dish. For instance, you can serve it for breakfast or brunch with different stir-ins. And you can serve it in individual ramekins for a fun and lovely presentation.

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Hobak Namul (Korean Stir-Fried Zucchini)

Hobak Namul is a popular Korean side dish (banchan). It is also very easy to make and requires very little time, 10-15 MINUTES MAX.

Usually, Chosun Hobak (Korean Zucchini) is used for this dish. They are rounder and fatter than the thin zucchinis available in most American grocers. And the flesh is slightly sweeter. I’ve been pretty spoiled; because my maternal grandmother grows them in her backyard. Most years, she has an abundance during harvest season. She has enough to share them with her friends and neighbors. Needless to say, she’s a very popular woman. And she has enough leftover to store them for later use after the season is over.

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