Don't You Hate It When--

[dollytoo2]

Don't you hate it when you read a recipe you might want to make and they have an ingredient you have never heard of Like in the recipe they posted on the 5 star restaurants receipe today. They said mix with Pico De Gallo which is what? Or use Fish Sauce with no explanation on what it is or how to make it. If it is something that is only found in certain places then tell us where to get it, or how to make a substitute.

[Kitchen Witch]

dollytoo2 -

Pico de Gallo is the name for a fresh chinky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and chilies.

There are many recipes - here's one:

4 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 fresh chile peppers, mild or hot, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped red or yellow bell pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon lime juice
salt and pepper, to taste

Combine ingredients in a glass or other non-reactive bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Makes about 2 cups.



Fish Sauce (a/k/a Fish Gravy) is an Asian condiment made from fish that has been allowed to ferment. As a substitute you can use light soy sauce OR To make your own mock fish sauce, simmer for 10 minutes: 1 can drained anchovies + 2 cloves bruised and peeled garlic + ½ teaspoon brown sugar + ¼ teaspoon salt + 1 ¼ cups water, then strain.

OR simmer for 10 minutes: 1 part soy sauce + 4 parts anchovies

OR soak anchovies from one small can (about 14 fillets) in 1 C water, strain, then add 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

You can find it in an Asian market or a Vietnamese market. Some of the larger supermarkets also sell it.

I hope this helps.

Kitchen Witch