Thai Pickles

Place the rice vinegar, caster sugar, fish sauce, coriander roots, garlic and the shredded kaffir lime leaves in a saucepan and bring to the boil, ensuring the sugar is dissolved. Simmer gently for 3 minutes. Pack the carrots, daikon radish, ginger, shallots, the chilli and the whole kaffir lime leaves into a sterilised jar. Strain the hot liquid onto the vegetables and seal the jar.

Cool and refrigerate.

To serve: Put as much pickle as required into a serving bowl leaving the liquid behind. Add fresh coriander leaves just before serving. Pickles will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. Makes about 2 cups

To julienne: This term means to slice food, often vegetables, into thin, matchstick strips. This is most easily done using a mandolin but can also be done by hand. First cut into 1/•- inch-thick slices. Stack the slices and cut into 1/•-inch-thick strips. Cut into whatever length is desired.