KAI PHAD KAPHRAO (CHICKEN FRIED WITH BASIL)

Kayte

This is a very simple, delicious Thai dish.  I serve it over cooked spinach, though it is much more common to serve it with rice.

4 fresh green chilies, chopped lightly

8 garlic cloves, chopped lightly

1/4 c peanut or corn oil

11 oz boneless skinned chicken sliced across the grain into narrow strips

1/4-1/2 t  dried red pepper flakes

1 T oyster sauce

1/2 t fish sauce

1/4 t black soy sauce

1/3 c sweet basil leaves, chopped or sliced coarsely

                Chop the green chiles finely in a food processor or blender.  Add the garlic and process again until mixture is finely chopped and mixed.  Heat the oil in a wok or pan until hot.  Add the chili-garlic mixture.  Fry for 1 minute.  Add the chicken and stir-fry for 1 minute; then add the red pepper flakes, oyster sauce, fish sauce and soy sauce.  Stir-fry for 2 minutes, mix the basil in well and serve immediately.

                Serves 4.