Honduran-style Yam Wun Sen

Ingredients

In this Honduran adaptation of Yam Wun Sen, we incorporate local Honduran ingredients and flavors to give the dish a distinct twist. While the Thai version typically includes ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chili peppers, we substitute them with Honduran alternatives. We use a combination of Honduran spices, such as achiote paste and annatto seeds, to add depth and earthiness to the dish. Additionally, we incorporate local vegetables and herbs, such as chayote and culantro, to infuse the dish with Honduran flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Yam wun sen, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) glass noodles 200g (7 oz) glass noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 chayote, julienned 1 chayote, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon annatto seeds 1 teaspoon annatto seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh culantro leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh culantro leaves, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until they become soft. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the red bell pepper, chayote, carrot, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the achiote paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, annatto seeds, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. 6.
   Add the sauce mixture to the pan and stir well to coat the vegetables.
7. 7.
   Add the soaked glass noodles to the pan and toss gently to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh culantro leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the Honduran-style Yam Wun Sen hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Achiote paste — Achiote paste is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich and earthy flavor. If you can't find achiote paste, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts paprika and turmeric.
• Annatto seeds — Annatto seeds give the dish its vibrant color. If you don't have annatto seeds, you can use a few drops of annatto oil or substitute with paprika.
• Culantro — Culantro is a herb commonly used in Honduran cuisine. If you can't find culantro, you can use cilantro as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of heat to the dish, you can include a small amount of Honduran chili peppers, such as chile de árbol or chile guajillo.
• For a heartier version, you can add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the stir-fry.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce or salt if desired.
• To make the dish more colorful, you can garnish it with sliced scallions or red chili flakes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Honduran-style Yam Wun Sen as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the stir-fried noodles and vegetables on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh culantro leaves and lime wedges for an inviting pop of color. Serve with chopsticks or forks for an authentic dining experience.