Sai Ua Samun Phrai

Sai Ua Samun Phrai, commonly known as Northern Thai Herb Sausage, is a quintessential dish of the Lanna Kingdom, which flourished in the Chiang Mai region of Northern Thailand. This flavorful sausage is a representation of the region's rich history and its bold flavors derived from fresh herbs and spices. Traditionally, Sai Ua is cooked and served as part of a larger meal, often accompanied by sticky rice and various dipping sauces.

Ingredients

The ingredients of Sai Ua Samun Phrai are what give it the distinctive aromatic flavor. Here is the list of ingredients needed for this authentic Thai dish:

• Pork Shoulder
• Lemongrass
• Kaffir Lime Leaves
• Galangal
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Fresh Turmeric
• Red Curry Paste
• Coriander
• Dried Red Chilies
• Fish Sauce
• Palm Sugar
• Salt
• Pork Intestines (sausage casings)

Preparation

Before we jump into the cooking process, let's prepare all the ingredients. Preparing the ingredients ahead of time ensures a smooth cooking experience.

1. Prepare the Marinade

• Start by finely chopping the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and dried red chilies.
• Mince the shallots and garlic.
• Use a mortar and pestle to pound the coriander, turmeric, and all other herbs and spices until a paste forms.

2. Prepare the Meat

• Grind the pork shoulder using a meat grinder or have it ground at your local butcher.
• Mix the ground pork with the herb mixture and add red curry paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and salt.

3. Prepare the Casings

• Soak the pork intestines in water to soften them up. Clean thoroughly to ensure no unwanted taste.

Cooking Process

1. Stuffing the Sausages

• Stuff the prepared mixture into the intestines. Be careful not to overstuff, as they can burst while cooking.
• Twist the sausage into small links at approximately 4-5 inch intervals.

2. Grilling the Sausages

• Preheat your grill until it's nice and hot. Aim for medium-high heat.
• Place the sausages on the grill and cook them slowly, turning frequently.
• Grill until the sausages are thoroughly cooked, and have a nice golden brown exterior (roughly 30 minutes). Use a cooking timer to keep track.

How to Enjoy Sai Ua Samun Phrai

Sai Ua is traditionally enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. It pairs well with sticky rice and a delicious nam prik (Thai chili sauce). The sausage can also be sliced and served on a platter alongside fresh vegetables such as cucumber and cabbage. Whether as an accompaniment or the main star of a meal, Sai Ua Samun Phrai offers a taste of Thailand's vibrant culinary heritage.