Sweet, salty, tangy and spicy, this is the classic Vietnamese dipping sauce—with a liberal dose of honey. The honey tames the acidity, which helps in pairing the sauce with wine.
Makes about 1 cup
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
6 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
Combine the garlic, sugar and chili sauce in a large mortar and mash them to a paste. (Or combine them on a cutting board and mash to a coarse paste using the back of a spoon.) Scrape the paste into a bowl and add the fish sauce, lime juice and honey. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the honey is blended in. Serve in individual bowls for dipping or refrigerate, covered, for up to a week.
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www.jillhough.com.