Hmong-inspired Ormer Casserole

Ingredients

In this Hmong-inspired adaptation, we incorporate traditional Hmong spices and herbs to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Hmong cuisine. The original Ormer Casserole from New Jersey is transformed into a vibrant and aromatic dish that pays homage to the culinary traditions of the Hmong people. We alse have the original recipe for Ormer Casserole, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ormer 500g (1.1 lb) ormer
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons Hmong spice blend (a mix of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder) 2 teaspoons Hmong spice blend (a mix of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 200g (7 oz) snap peas 200g (7 oz) snap peas
• 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Clean the ormer thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the Hmong spice blend over the onion mixture and stir well to coat the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, julienned carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
7. 7.
   Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
8. 8.
   Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the ormer is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ormer — Ensure the ormer is cleaned thoroughly before cooking to remove any sand or debris.
• Hmong spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made Hmong spice blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.

Tips & Tricks

• If ormer is not available, you can substitute it with shrimp or scallops.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder to the Hmong spice blend.
• Serve the casserole with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ormer with tofu or tempeh.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.

Serving advice

Serve the Hmong-inspired Ormer Casserole hot as a main dish. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Hmong-inspired Ormer Casserole in a vibrant casserole dish, allowing the colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top for an appealing touch.