Flat Leaf Italian Parsley

Yup, its the green stuff that everyone ignores, the most under appreciated ingredient in the USA, but its one of the best ingredients in the world. Why? it adds a fresh taste and vibrant color to any dish (especially if you add it to anything that has olive oil).

Tips for flat leaf Italian parsley

1. Know the difference between regular parsley, flat leaf and Chinese parsley.They are all different.
2. Wash parsley to remove dirt, and other unwanted residue.
3. Spin dry in salad spinner and pat dry with paper towel
4. Pick leaves only and leave stems for soups stalks etc.
5. Bunch leaves together and cut with sharp knife
6. Parsley should be cut fine, or you can leave the leafs whole depending on the effect you want.
7. Know where to get it (On Oahu the best flat leaf I have found is from Nalo farms).

Check out the videos/links and respect the parsley!

How to Pick Italian Parsley

How to Chop Herbs with Gordon Ramsay
(Sorry guys, the youtube poster disabled embeded video on this one.)

Italian Parsley by Bon Appetit

Thai Food Essentials

Here are some essential ingredients that I thought would be useful when discussing Thai food.

Fish sauce

I think this is the fish sauce used in the restaurant and favored by my friends.(Order at Amazon.com)

Curry Paste 

This was the curry paste I posted about in my Thai Curry post.  (Order at Amazon.com)

Lemon Grass 

This video from Chow.com shows different ways to use Lemon Grass.

Ginger

Yes, Ming Tsai is the man :)

Thai Basil

Not a lot of people know what Thai Basil is, or how it's different from "regular" basil.  This video on Rouxbe.com has a nice short video briefly explaining what it is.

Thai Chilies

Many in America aren't as familiar with Asian chilies.  Again from Rouxbe.com, they have a nice short video on Thai chilies.

Have Fun! :)