Fragrant Beef Cooked In Mint and Spinach

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large bowl, mix the five-spice powder, curry, turmeric, sugar, soy sauce, lemongrass, garlic, pepper and salt. Add the beef and pork and mix well. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, bring a kettle half full of water to a boil. Place the mint in a mesh strainer and dip the strainer into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately plunge the leaves into a bowl of cold water.

3. Step 3

   Bring the water back to a boil and add the spinach. Cook for 30 seconds, or until just wilted and bright green. Immediately drain the leaves and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. When the spinach and mint are cool, drain and pat dry with paper towels.

4. Step 4

   Preheat the broiler. Form the meat into balls a little smaller than golf balls. (You should have about 32.) Elongate the balls slightly into football shapes. Press 5 or 6 mint leaves over the surface of each piece and wrap in a spinach leaf.

5. Step 5

   Lightly oil a baking sheet, place the wrapped meat on it and broil until the leaves are evenly browned and the meat is cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes. Serve hot with spicy star-fruit salad (see recipe).