- Prahok
"Prahok" (ប្រហុក) is a crushed,
salt ed and fermentedfish paste (usually ofmud fish ) that is used inCambodia ncuisine as aseasoning or acondiment (usually the latter). It originated as a way of preserving fish during the longer months when fresh fish was not available in abundant supply. Because of its saltiness and strong flavor, it was used as an addition to many meals inCambodian cuisine , such as soups. Prahok has a strong and distinct smell, earning the nickname Cambodian CheeseStar Chefs [http://www.starchefs.com/NdeMonteiro/recipetips.shtml "Five main Cambodian ingredients"] Accessed July 21, 2007] . Prahok is usually eaten withrice in the countryside or poorer regions.Because it is easily stored and preserved, Prahok is often given out for donations to victims of flood or drought by charities and other organizations. It can be eaten cooked or fried, but is usually not eaten raw because of health issues (raw Prahok cannot be stored long due to its going bad if not eaten in a short period of time) and the unpleasant smell it makes.
Although Prahok is a dish invented by
Cambodians , there was a similar condiment inancient Rome calledGarum , also made from fermented fish and used as a seasoning. There are also other versions of similar foods such asPissalat fromFrance .Preparation of Prahok
Prahok is prepared using fresh fish (both large and small). Typically, the larger the fish, the more valuable the Prahok made from it. Some types are rarer than others and the rarest are considered delicacies, thus are more expensive. One of the pricier types is one made from the
gourami fish.Prahok is obtained by crushing or grinding fresh fish after de-scaling, gutting and cleaning them. They can be crushed underfoot, like wine grapes, or processed by machine. After the fish is crushed, it is left in the sun for a full day, then salted and sealed in jars full of salt.
Prahok can be eaten after just 20 days of fermentation, but better quality Prahok can be preserved for one to three years.
Types of Prahok
Fried Prahok
"Prahok jien " (ប្រហុកចៀន) This type of prahok is the most favoured type. It is usually mixed with meat (usually beef or pork) and chili. It can also be eaten with dips, vegetables such as cucumbers or eggplants, and rice.
Covered Prahok
"Prahok gop" This type of prahok is covered with
banana leaves and left to cook under a fire under pieces of rock.Raw Prahok
"Prahok chow" (ប្រហុកឆៅ) This type of prahok can be used to make a paste with
lemon grass , lime juice, fresh peppers, andThai eggplant eaten with steak. Also this is the type of Prahok preferably used as a dipping paste for vegetables and fruits Prahok "Just another wordpress weblong" [http://www.prahok.com/?page_id=11 "Prahok"] Accessed July 22, 2007] .References
External links
* [http://www.leisurecambodia.com/Leisure_Cambodia/No.10/prahok.htm LeisureCambodia.com] - "The Story of Prahok" article.
* [http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/20712/4177504/9/brt0_art;jsessionid=DD064F4EA32C2F6C612D3FF59C807615 ThingsAsian.com] - "Got fish? It's Prahok season in Cambodia" article.
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