water, enough to fully cover the fresh bamboo shoots during blanching
2tablespoonswhite sugar, helps reduce bitterness in fresh bamboo shoots
Instructions
Blanching the bamboo shoots
Blanch the bamboo shoots. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your fresh bamboo shoots and sugar, and boil for 20 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and keep the bamboo shoots in the pot.(If using canned bamboo shoots, skip the blanching but make sure to rinse them well.)
Making the soup
Blend the rice mixture. Blend the glutinous rice, yanang leaves, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Pound the chilies. Pound the chilies using a mortar and pestle until crushed.
Cook the soup base. Place the pot with drained bamboo shoots over medium heat. Add the blended rice mixture, sponge gourd, and crushed chilies.
Season and stir. Bring to a boil, then add the fermented fish sauce, MSG, salt, and seasoning powder. Stir constantly to prevent the rice mixture from sticking.
Add the vegetables and finish. Let the soup boil for 1–2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, then stir in the rice paddy herb. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
Be warned, Isan food is incredibly flavorful. This recipe is not for those who are new to the world of Thai flavors.