Squid Salad

Ingredient
2-1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp Asian fish sauce (nuoc nam)
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, very thinly sliced
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1 pound cleaned squid
1 large head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
In 4-quart saucepan, combine 3 quarts water and 2 teaspoons salt; heat to boiling over high heat.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir until sugar has dissolved. Stir in onion and carrot.

Rinse squid under cold running water. Slice squid bodies crosswise into very thin rings. Cut tentacles into several pieces if large. Add to boiling water and cook until tender and opaque, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Drain and add to dressing in bowl. Add lettuce, mint, and cilantro; toss until mixed and coated with dressing.

Yield: 4 servings

Source: The All New Good Housekeeping Cookbook edited by Susan Westmoreland (Hearst Books)