The people of Laos, a country located in southeastern Asia between Thailand and Vietnam, eat a profusion of fresh fruits and vegetables but very little meat, which makes their cuisine a healthful choice for home cooks. Since vegetable oil had to be imported, it was a costly commodity for Laotian cooks, who used herbs and spices instead to flavor their dishes. Laotian dishes are traditionally lighter than Thai ones. Simple Laotian Cooking offers 172 recipes, including a section on the traditional Lob, a dish usually made with beef but also with chicken, fish, or wild game that is reserved for holidays and special occasions. A glossary defines staple ingredients such as bamboo shoots, cilantro, coconut milk, fresh ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. The author also incorporates western ingredients in her dishes.
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