Spicy Thai Meatballs With Crispy Noodlesbeef, hamburger, pork, thai 1 vegetable oil 1 lb ground pork 1 large egg 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts, 1 finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1 parsley 3/4 teaspoon salt 3 3/4 oz pkg. cellophane noodles 1 (see note) 1/2 cup chunk-style peanut butter 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1/4 teaspoon ground red cayenne pepper 1 small cucumber,sliced 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly 1 sliced or cut into thin 1 sticks 1 fresh cilantro or parsley 1 sprigs, optional Pour oil into 3 qt. saucepan to depth of 1";heat over medium-high heat to 375 degrees.Meanwhile,in large bowl,combine pork,egg,ground peanuts,chopped cilantro and salt.Using hands or wooden spoon,blend well.Shape mixture into 1" balls.In 12" skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp. oil;add meatballs.Cook about 12 minutes,turning frequently until well browned on all sides.Add 1 cup water,stirring to loosen brown bits from bottom of skillet;bring to boil.Reduce heat to low. Simmer,covered,5 to 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through. Meanwhile,add noodles,a small amount at a time,to hot oil in saucepan; cook each batch about 20 seconds until puffed and double in size.Using a slotted spoon,remove noodles to paper towel to drain.When meatballs are cooked,stir in peanut butter,grated lemon peel and ground red pepper;cook about 1 minute longer until heated through.Arrange fried noodles on serving platter.Spoon meatballs over noodles;arrange cucumbers and carrots decoratively around edge.Garnish with cilantro sprigs,if desired.Makes 4 servings. Note:Cellophane noodles are sometimes called bean thread noodles and can be found in the Oriental sections of supermarkets. |
