Nuoc Cham

Directions

1. 1
   Stem the chile.
2. 2
   Split the chile in half, remove and discard the seeds and membrane.
3. 3
   Finely chop the chile.
4. 4
   Combine the chopped chile, garlic and sugar in a mortar.
5. 5
   Pound the mixture into a paste.
6. 6
   Remove the zest and pith from the lime, and discard.
7. 7
   Add the lime to the chile mixture.
8. 8
   Mash well.
9. 9
   Add the fish sauce and the water.
10. 10
    Mix well.
11. 11
    Serve as a seasoning agent instead of salt and pepper.