To Spicy Thai

[jesses584]

I just got the new issue of CL and i see that a lot of the recipes have lots of pepper or other heat adding spices in them. I personally like spicy foods but i dont live by myself and can not afford to cook two different meals a night. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep the flavor but loose the heat?

thanx
jessica

[browneye]

Most Thai foods have lots of other flavors that are still great without the heat. Just omit the chili peppers, or cut way down on the ground pepper, and I think you'll still enjoy the flavorful dishes. I personally haven't made these from the June issue yet, however, I have made other Thai without the heat (young son doesn't like the heat) and it was very flavorful...

[jesses584]

thanks alot, i figured i could do that but i am still working on my cooking skills and have made several big goofs in the past..so i thought it better to ask before i try.

jess

[Beth]

I have noticed that most thai restaurants, in addition to offering to customize the spiciness of your order, will have condiments on the table so you can spike it up even further (just don't yell BAM when you do). you could try omitting or using a very small amount and then adding a little to yours at the table. Also, try to learn which chilis are more flavor and which are more heat. The mild ones should be cooked with the food, while the heat ones can be added. I have also found a difference in brands: the garlic chili sauce I had when I first made the peanutty noodles was mild compared to the bottle I bought at an oriental market. I hope that helps at least some.

[Jeanne G]

Originally posted by Beth:
you can spike it up even further (just don't yell BAM when you do).

Beth,
Thank you for the chuckle. Personally, that "bam" is a BIT much for me, if you know what I mean!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif
Jeanne

[browneye]

Okay, I'm stupid, but what is BAM and what is BIT?

[luv2cook]

browneye, BAM is from Emeril's cooking show and BIT she was just accentuating, I believe

[Beth]

Yup. That's it.

[AdGirl]

be sure not to omit the sambal if you want to take out the heat, as it provides so much flavor too! as mentioned above, cut out the whole/ground peppers to tame it down, instead!

[Jeanne G]

browneye, thank you for the translation!! It was perfect!!

And now...
Originally posted by Beth:
Yup. That's it.

Sorry to keep quoting you Beth, but Yup, ya got it!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I laughed even harder tonight, maybe b/c it's my second glass of wine, but maybe just becauce "ya got it"!!!