Kaffir Lime Sauce (makes approximately 3/4 cups)

kaffir lime sauce and bougainvillea flowers

kaffir lime sauce on banana leaf

The kaffir lime leaves add a lot of citrus flavor and aroma to this sauce.  If you have the luxury of harvesting your own kaffir lime leaves, choose the new leaves when you are making this sauce.  They are softer and more dedicate.  I find it is easiest to snip the kaffir lime leaves thinly with a sharp pair of kitchen shears.  If you do not have access to fresh young kaffir lime leaves you may add 1 t lime zest instead.  This sauce can be kept in a refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Ingredients:

4 T freshly squeezed lime juice
4 T sugar
2 1/2 T fish sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or chopped
1 T water
2 t thinly sliced young kaffir lime leaves
1/8 t grated ginger (optional)
1 chopped hot chili pepper (optional)

Method:

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended.

kaffir lime flower and young fruit

kaffir lime leaves

kaffir lime leaves and fruit

young kaffir lime leaves
in banana blossom dish

lemon, garlic and kaffir lime leaves