Chiang Mai Sausage, Naam Phrik Num, and Pork Cracklings

METHOD:

For Curry Paste:
With a mortar and pestle, pound (separately and in order) chiles, salt, lemongrass, galangal, cilantro root, turmeric, lime rind, garlic, shallots, curry powder, and black pepper.

For Naam Phrik Num:
Grill chiles, shallots, and garlic over charcoal until well-charred. Let cool, peel, and remove seeds (some seeds are okay). Pound with mortar and pestle with cilantro root until soft and combine (paste should be a bit stringy). Combine with lime juice, fish sauce, and salt.

For Pork Cracklings:
Marinate pork with salt, vinegar, and white pepper for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile heat rice oil to 275°F and fry skins until dry but not burnt. Remove skins from oil and fry at 400°F until puffed.

To Assemble and Serve:
Grind pork shoulder and pork belly in chilled meat grinder thru ½-inch die once. Using your hands, mix Curry Paste, meat, cilantro, lime leaf, and fish sauce. Fry a small amount to taste and then adjust seasonings. Stuff into casing, creating 1-inch tubes, and allow to sit overnight for flavors to combine.

Steam over medium-high heat until 90 percent done, about 8 to 9 minutes and at 130° internal temperature. (You can also grill with charcoal over indirect heat until just cooked. Put immediately in refrigerator uncovered to cool). Serve with Naam Phrik Num and Pork Cracklings.