Sliced Chicken with Holy Basil (Phad Pik Gai)

Ingredients :

3 tbsp sesame oil

2 tsp chopped garlic

1 tbsp chopped ginger

1 tbsp chopped red chili peppers

500g chicken thigh fillet (tenderloins), trimmed of any fat and skin, and sliced

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp water

2 tsp brown sugar

3 tbsp holy basil or ordinary basil leaves

4 spring onions (scallions), green part only, sliced

Method :

Heat the sesame oil in wok over a medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger and red chili peppers. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes. Add the chicken and stir fry for 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is sealed on all sides. Stir in the soy sauce, water and sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes, until done. Add the basil and spring onions. Serve immediately.

Another blend of Chinese : Stir fry techniques with the addition of holy basil from India. In India, this plant is associated with Hindu ceremonies and festivals. It is revered by the Hindus and is popular as a medicinal herb. Ordinary basil or even mint leaves can be substituted.

Serves 4 - 6