Thailand's cooling rice dish to beat the heat

 

Khao chae, a traditional Thai dish, offers a refreshing and fragrant way to beat the sweltering heat, especially during the Buddhist New Year celebrations. This cooling delicacy consists of soaked rice infused with the delicate scent of flowers, served alongside an array of intricate side dishes.

To prepare khao chae, start by washing jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Once steamed, the rice is submerged in ice water infused with the fragrance of flowers like jasmine, ylang ylang, damask roses, and bread flowers. These flowers are carefully picked and steeped to perfection to enhance the aroma of the dish.

Khao chae is more than just rice; it's an elaborate experience featuring a variety of side dishes, including shrimp paste balls, stuffed green peppers, sweetened beef and pork jerky, delicate egg nests, and more. These flavorful accompaniments add depth and complexity to the meal, balancing sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

When enjoying khao chae, it's essential to alternate between the rice and side dishes to fully appreciate the distinct flavors and prevent muddying the fragrant flower-scented water. This thoughtful approach allows each component to shine and keeps the meal fresh and exciting.

While khao chae was once a dish reserved for the royal family and aristocratic circles, it has become more accessible in recent years, thanks to a renewed appreciation for Thai heritage and culinary traditions. Now, people across Thailand can savor this delightful dish, especially during the scorching summer months.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to recreate khao chae at home, here's a simplified recipe to get you started:

Khao Chae Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Jasmine rice
• Flower-scented water (jasmine, ylang-ylang, and chommanard flowers steeped in water)
• Side dishes such as shrimp paste balls, stuffed green peppers, sliced cucumber, green mango, scallion, and lesser ginger

Instructions:

1. Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly and steam until fully cooked. Let cool.
2. Prepare side dishes according to your preference, ensuring a balance of flavors and textures.
3. Pour chilled flower-scented water over the cooked rice.
4. Serve khao chae with an assortment of side dishes, allowing guests to mix and match flavors to their liking.

Enjoy the refreshing and aromatic flavors of khao chae as you celebrate Thai New Year or simply beat the heat during the hot summer months!