Penang Shallot Relish Chung Gao Jai Food

GEORGIAN PICKLES

Steps:

• 1. Combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a nonreactive saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic, cilantro, dill, and hot peppers. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Correct the seasoning, adding sugar to taste.2. Meanwhile, trim the lettuce and cut into 1-inch wedges. Rinse the tomatoes and cucumbers under cold running water, blot dry with paper towels, and prick 5 to 6 times with a fork. Cut the watermelon, both rind and flesh, into 1-inch wedges. Divide the vegetables and melon among three clean 1-quart jars. Add enough cooled pickling mixture to cover. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the mixture in each jar to keep the vegetables submerged.3. Cover the jars, placing another piece of plastic wrap between the mouth of the jar and the lid. (The second piece of plastic wrap will prevent the vinegar from corroding the metal lid.) Let the vegetables pickle, in the refrigerator, for at least 3 days. The pickles will keep, tightly covered in the refrigerator, for several weeks.Makes about 3 quarts enough to serve 10 to 12

PENANG SHALLOT RELISH / CHUNG GAO JAI

Steps:

• Place the shallots in a large bowl and add 1/2 cup lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the sugar, 1 tablespoon sambal ulek, and the water, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Correct the seasoning, adding salt, lime juice, or sambal ulek to taste. The sambal will taste good right away and even better after 30 minutes, as the flavors blend and merge.Makes about 1 1/4 cups enough to serve 4 to 6