Thai style fried rice and Nampla prik

Germany's frugality bemoaned for inhibiting euro zone growth This headline and associated news article got me thinking.

While countries like the US, Greece, Spain and Portugal are were living on borrowed money and spending like there is no tomorrow, it is indeed refreshing to read about Germany where people are frugal. Economists say for the world financial picture to improve countries like the US should save a lot more and consumers in Japan, China and Germany where the savings rate is very high have to loosen their purse strings.

Is saving a habit learned over a life time or is it something that you pick up and discard on whim? I like reading Michelle Singletary's financial columns which appear twice weekly in the Washington Post. Her no nonsense way of advising people to shape up their financial lives is well like a breath of fresh air or slap in the face depending on where you stand. I especially like her quote "To truly become rich, you need to stop acting like it".

We often mistake frugality to being kanjoo(is the Indian word for tight wad or penny pincher). Growing up I have heard many a wistful adult imagining himself like an American who lives a high life spending all what he earns without nervous worries about the future. The high life as the world has seen now has serious consequences.


A life of an immigrant starts with insecurity and shapes your financial habits, it certainly did mine. The lack of security net provided by family brings a certain bit of caution which is essential for a successful financial journey methinks. Our parents' generation never made purchases without having money on hand and buying on credit was something that was done only in the most extreme of circumstances. Contrast this to today where you are considered weak in mind if you used your own money and ignored the cheap credit available.

Nampla prik

Times have certainly changed. Starting from food, way of life, financial know how it is back to the time honored cliche 'Old is Gold'. Live within your means, save for a rainy day, buy low - sell high, buy what you need not what you want are all back in fashion.

Barring food and occasionally books not found in the library I am a tight wad. What is your financial lifestyle?


Now to the recipe,
The condiment that most attracts me in any Thai restaurant is the sliced green or red chilies in a clear vinegar sauce. I caught sight of it here and learned that no Thai table was complete with it and could not wait to give it a try. With the end of the week looming and not many vegetables left and a good sauce ready on hand, fried rice it was going to be. The addition of corn is not Thai but with neither mushrooms or bean sprouts on hand I added some for color.

Thai fried rice
Ingredients
1. 2 Cups of brown rice - day old or cooked and cooled.
2. 4 eggs scrambled with salt and pepper
3. 6-12 shrimp mixed with salt and 2 tsp of chili powder
4. 1 cup cooked corn (substitute with green peas)
5. 1 tbsp Thai chili paste
6. 1/2 White onion sliced
7. 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
8. 1-2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
9. 2 tbsp roasted peanuts crushed lightly
10. 1/2 tbsp peanut oil
11. handful coriander leaves chopped

Method
1. In a wok heat oil and cook the shrimp on high heat for 2 minutes, remove and set aside.
2. Scramble the eggs using a different pan and set aside
3. Saute the onions till they are translucent
4. Add the chili paste and mix it into the onions
5. Add the cooked rice, add in the soy and fish sauces and mix it in.
6. Add the corn and coriander leaves and cook till the rice is heated through
7. Add the shrimp and cook for a couple more minutes
8. Don't forget to sprinkle the peanuts on top.


Nampla Prik
1. 5 Red Thai chilies sliced into small thin rounds
2. 4 cloves garlic sliced
3. 1 inch ginger grated (optional)
4. 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
5. 1 tbsp lemon juice
6. 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar or as required

Mix them together - that is it.