Discover how to make Laphet Thoke, the traditional Burmese tea leaf salad that's bursting with flavor. This unique salad combines fermented tea leaves, crunchy peanuts, and a mix of fresh vegetables, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light main course, this recipe offers a taste of authentic Burmese cuisine right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup fermented tea leaves (Laphet)

- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

- 1 cup shredded cabbage

- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

- 1/2 cup shredded carrots

- 1/4 cup sliced green onions

- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

- 1/4 cup lime juice

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

- 1-2 fresh green chilies, sliced (optional)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: If your fermented tea leaves are not pre-prepared, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and squeeze out any extra liquid. Chop them finely.

Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fermented tea leaves, roasted peanuts, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.

Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Add the sliced green chilies if desired for extra heat.

Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Notes:

- You can adjust the amount of lime juice and fish sauce according to your taste preference.

- Laphet Thoke is often served with additional toppings like fried garlic or crispy shallots for added texture.

Nutritional Values

Rice Flour 

 - Calories: 365

 - Carbohydrates: 80 grams

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

 - Fiber: 2 grams

Benefits:

 - Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

 - Energy: Provides a high amount of carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy.

 - Low in Fat: Contains minimal fat, making it a low-fat option for various recipes.

Water

 - Calories: 0

Benefits:

 - Hydration: Essential for maintaining proper hydration levels in the body.

 - Solvent: Helps in dissolving other ingredients and adjusting the consistency of the batter.

Salt

 - Calories: 0

 - Sodium: 38,758 mg

Benefits:

 - Electrolyte Balance: Maintains fluid balance and proper nerve function.

 - Flavor Enhancer: Improves the taste of the cakes.

Sugar (optional)

 - Calories: 387

 - Carbohydrates: 100 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Flavor: Adds a slight sweetness to balance the flavors in the cakes.

Vegetable Oil

 - Calories: 884

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 100 grams

 - Saturated Fat: 14 grams

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 73 grams

 - Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 grams

Benefits:

 - Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids.

 - Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Fiber: 2.1 grams

 - Vitamin C: 31% of the Daily Value (DV)

 - Calcium: 181 mg

 - Potassium: 401 mg

Benefits:

 - Allicin: Provides antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

 - Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ginger

 - Calories: 80

 - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Fat: 0.8 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

Benefits:

 - Gingerol: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

 - Digestive Health: Aids in digestion and reduces nausea.

Red Chili Paste 

 - Calories: 80

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 3 grams

Benefits:

 - Capsaicin: Enhances metabolism and provides pain relief.

 - Flavor: Adds spiciness and depth to the sauce.

Soy Sauce

 - Calories: 53

 - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

 - Protein: 8 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Sodium: 5,000 mg

Benefits:

 - Umami Flavor: Adds a rich, savory taste to the sauce.

 - Amino Acids: Contains essential amino acids.

Fish Sauce (or Extra Soy Sauce for Vegetarian Option)

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

 - Sodium: 1,500 mg

Benefits:

 - Umami Flavor: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

 - Amino Acids: Contributes to the flavor profile and overall nutrition.

Sugar

 - Calories: 387

 - Carbohydrates: 100 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Flavor: Balances the heat and saltiness in the sauce.

Water

 - Calories: 0

Benefits:

 - Solvent: Helps dissolve other ingredients and adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Cornstarch

 - Calories: 381

 - Carbohydrates: 91 grams

 - Protein: 0.3 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

 - Thickening Agent: Helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.

Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (for garnish)

 - Calories: 23

 - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

Green Onions Nutritional Values (per 100 grams):

 - Calories: 32

 - Carbohydrates: 7 grams

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Fiber: 2.6 grams

Benefits:

 - Cilantro: Provides antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Adds a fresh flavor.

 - Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and provides vitamins A, C, and K.

Fermented Tea Leaves (Laphet)

 - Calories: 60

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Protein: 3 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

 - Fiber: 5 grams

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

 - Digestive Health: Contains compounds that can aid in digestion and gut health.

 - Probiotics: Fermented tea leaves may provide probiotic benefits, promoting a healthy gut flora.

Roasted Peanuts

 - Calories: 567

 - Carbohydrates: 16 grams

 - Protein: 25 grams

 - Fat: 49 grams

 - Fiber: 8 grams

Benefits:

 - Protein: High in protein, which supports muscle health and repair.

 - Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support heart health.

 - Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential nutrients such as Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Shredded Cabbage

 - Calories: 25

 - Carbohydrates: 6 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

Benefits:

 - Low in Calories: Low in calories and fat, making it a great option for weight management.

 - Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which support immune function and bone health.

 - Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

Diced Tomatoes

 - Calories: 18

 - Carbohydrates: 3.9 grams

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Fiber: 1.2 grams

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: High in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

 - Vitamins: Good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which support immune health and vision.

Shredded Carrots

 - Calories: 41

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Fiber: 3 grams

Benefits:

 - Beta-Carotene: Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function.

 - Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Sliced Green Onions

 - Calories: 32

 - Carbohydrates: 7 grams

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Fiber: 2.6 grams

Benefits:

 - Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help