"Nam Prik Ong" is a beloved culinary treasure from Northern Thailand, a region famed for its distinctive and flavorful dishes. Known for its unique Lanna food culture, Nam Prik Ong has captivated locals and foreigners alike with its rich taste and texture. Let's delve into the story behind its name, explore its ingredients, and learn a simple method for preparing it at home.
#Nam Prik Ong #Northern food #Chiang Mai chili paste
Nam Prik Ong: A Northern Delicacy
Nam Prik Ong is a Northern Thai chili paste characterized by its vibrant orange hue, derived from tomatoes and dried chilies. It's simmered to a perfect consistency, with a hint of red-orange oil floating on the surface. The taste is a harmonious blend of sour, salty, slightly spicy, and sweet flavors. Typically accompanied by fresh or steamed vegetables and often enjoyed with pork rinds, it elevates the dining experience.
Natural ingredients
The Origin of Nam Prik Ong
The term "Ong" in Northern Thai refers to a specific method of preparing chili paste, involving stir-frying and reduction. Nam Prik Ong epitomizes Northern Thai cuisine, utilizing locally sourced ingredients like coriander roots, galangal, lemongrass, bean paste, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, tomatoes, and ground pork.
A local legend recounts the story of a Burmese man named Mr. Aung Maung, who, while preparing chili paste for Nam Ngiaw, improvised a recipe that became a hit among the villagers. Originally called "Nam Prik Pu Aung" (Grandfather Aung's Chili Paste), it eventually evolved into "Nam Prik Ong."
Steps for making Nam Prik Ong
Simple Recipe for Nam Prik Ong
Making Nam Prik Ong is straightforward and requires the following ingredients:
- Minced pork
- Tomato
- Dried chili
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Shrimp paste
- Salt
- Fish sauce
- Oil
- Coriander, spring onion
Preparation Steps:
- Pound chilies, shallots, and garlic into a fine paste.
- Mix in shrimp paste and salt.
- Sauté the paste in oil until fragrant.
- Add minced pork and cook thoroughly, adding a bit of water.
- Once boiling, mix in tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Garnish with coriander and spring onion.
Enjoy your homemade Nam Prik Ong!
Nam Prik Ong products at Vanusnun Chiang Mai shop
Where to Buy Nam Prik Ong?
Nam Prik Ong has become a must-try dish for visitors to Chiang Mai and a popular souvenir. Modern packaging and heat sterilization processes allow it to be stored for up to a year without refrigeration, making it travel-friendly.
For those visiting Chiang Mai, Vanusnun Chiang Mai Shop offers a range of Nam Prik Ong products, perfect for taking home or gifting. If you can't visit in person, their online store provides a convenient option with home delivery. Explore their selection and place your order at Vanusnun Chiang Mai Shop. Click here!