Thai Laab Dinner

Summer is coming to an end and this is one of my favorite summer meals.  Quick and easy too!  My neighbor is from Thailand and she makes this dish quite a lot.  Laab or larb.  She shared it with me a few years ago and we make it nearly as often as she does.  Sweet, tangy and refreshing.  I love this meal.

-1 lb. ground pork or turkey
-1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
-juice from one lime
-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
-3 tablespoons chopped mint
-1 large shallot, sliced
-1 teaspoon chili oil
-1 tablespoon roasted chili paste

-cooked rice
-a couple heads of romaine hearts, washed

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat chili oil and add shallots.  Cook for a few minutes until soft.

Add ground pork or turkey, cook until browned.  Drain grease, stir in chili paste.  Remove from heat.  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl mix fish sauce, lime juice, cilantro and mint together.

Stir in cooked meat.

Peel a few leaves off the the romaine hearts.  Add some rice and top with laab.  Fold up and eat like a taco.

 Serve with thai ice tea!