Vietnamese Spring Roll Dipping Sauce

(Nuoc Cham)

Makes about 2 cups

5 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons water

1/3 cup fish sauce

1/2 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)

1 large clove garlic, crushed, peeled, and sliced or minced

1 or more bird's eye or Thai chilies, seeded, and sliced or minced

1 shallot, thinly sliced

Whisk together the sugar, water, fish sauce, and lime juice in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Add the garlic, chili, and shallot, and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Note:  The fish sauce may be found in an Asian market.  Three Crabs is a good brand.