Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak Udang (Young tapioca shoots in coconut milk with prawns)

   Cassava (Manihot esculenta) or tapioca leaves are rich in protein. Tapioca leaves should not be eaten raw because raw leaves contain 2 types of cyanogenic glucosides - linamarin and lotaustralin. These will give rise to cyanide (HCN) toxin poisoning.

  Here is a traditional village (kampung) dish that I love very much. Need to cook it because can't get it outside. My supply of young tapioca shoots came fresh from the farm.

Ingredients : half kg young tapioca shoots (blanch, wash & strain)
                        half kg prawns (shelled)
                        5 green bird eye chillies
                        2 red chillies (slice)
                        a little tumeric powder
                        4 pips garlic (chopped)
                        3 shallots (chopped)
                        1 glass coconut milk
                        salt and sugar to taste
                        1 tbsp oil


First heat up the oil in a wok or pan, then fry garlic and shallots till golden brown. After that put in tumeric powder together with the prawns and stir fry until reddish. Pour in coconut milk and put in the chillies. Wait  till it boils. Add in tapioca leaves. Then add salt and sugar. Stir well. Ready to serve with hot white rice.


Prescription : Cooking isn't that difficult if you put your mind on it.


(4.05.11-Wednesday)