Part 3/7:
As the day begins in the bustling kitchen, the first task involves unloading fresh peppers delivered from a family farm. This connection to family and tradition is a cornerstone of Hmong cooking, wherein food is prepared using methods passed down through generations. The process of roasting peppers over an open fire reflects the primitive techniques used by Hmong ancestors, where heat and smoke infuse flavors into the natural ingredients.
One standout dish, known as the Happy Tiger sauce, begins with roasted banana peppers combined with charred pineapples and jalapeños, evoking a culinary twist on the beloved "crying tiger" sauce. The fusion of sweet and spicy flavors achieved through careful cooking reflects the creative spirit of the kitchen.