Laphing

Laphing is a traditional Tibetan dish that has become quite popular, especially in regions like Nepal and parts of India. It’s a cold, spicy, and flavorful dish made primarily from mung bean starch. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Laphing at home:

Ingredients:

For the Laphing:

• 200g mung bean starch (also known as mung bean flour or mung bean noodles)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• Salt, to taste

For the sauce (optional):

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• Salt, to taste

For garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Spring onions, finely chopped
• Roasted peanuts, crushed
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Laphing:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add mung bean starch.
   • Gradually add water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps until it forms a smooth, thin batter consistency.
   • Pour the batter into a large flat-bottomed pan or plate.
   • Steam the batter for about 20-25 minutes until it sets and becomes translucent.
   • Let it cool completely.
2. Slice and Marinate:
   • Once cooled, slice the steamed mung bean starch into thin strips or cubes.
   • In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorn powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt.
   • Marinate the sliced mung bean starch in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Sauce (optional):
   • In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, Sichuan peppercorn powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt.
   • Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. Assemble:
   • Arrange the marinated mung bean starch slices on a plate.
   • Drizzle the sauce over the top.
5. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves, spring onions, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds on top.
6. Serve:
   • Serve cold and enjoy the spicy and refreshing flavors of Laphing!

Remember, Laphing is quite versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to your taste preferences.