Thai Agua Fresca Coconut Lychee Lemongrass Cooler Recipes

THAI AGUA FRESCA: COCONUT-LYCHEE-LEMONGRASS COOLER

Steps:

• Pound the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife to break the cell walls. Cut the stalk in half or thirds lengthwise to fit comfortably in a small saucepan.
• Bring a small saucepan with a little over 2 cups water to a simmer, and add the lemongrass. Remove it from the heat and allow it to steep, 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and chill the lemongrass water completely. Discard the lemongrass solids.
• In a blender, combine the coconut water, lychees, lemongrass water and salt and let it go until the concoction is smooth; depending on how large your blender is, you might have to do this in batches. Taste for seasoning, chill and serve; you can strain it if you don't like pulp.

LEMONGRASS-COCONUT NOODLES WITH SPICY CHINESE MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Stir in the egg noodles and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, transfer to a bowl, drizzle the sesame oil over them, toss to coat, and reserve.
• For the meatballs: Mix together the beef, pork, ginger, fish sauce, vinegar, chili flakes, peppercorns, salt, some black pepper, the scallions, garlic and egg yolk in a large bowl until well combined. Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs using your hands, wetting them if necessary.
• Heat the oil in a wok over high heat and fry the meatballs, working in batches and turning with a slotted spoon until golden and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Drain the wok and wipe it clean with a paper towel.
• For the sauce: Heat the peanut oil in the wok over high heat. Add the shrimp paste and stir-fry until toasted, and then stir in the lemongrass and coconut milk and boil until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the fish sauce, Sriracha and cooked meatballs and briefly simmer to reheat them in the sauce. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Toss the noodles in the sauce until well coated and hot.
• Transfer the noodles to a platter, top with the warm meatballs, and garnish with chopped cilantro sprinkled over the top. Serve immediately.