In 1925, the World Conference for the Well-Being of Children claimed that June 1 would become International Children’s Day. There are a few theories as to why this date was selected, one being that many Chinese orphans gathered in San Francisco on June 1 of that year to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. Regardless of the differing beliefs about the origin, the tenant behind the holiday remains steadfast. International Children’s Day celebrates children’s rights and well-being.

In Laos, the children are heralded on Children’s Day as the future of the nation. There are many speeches and parades throughout the nation. While no one dish marks a traditional International Children’s Day meal in Laos, the dishes served are generally Laotian staples. Ping Gai, a street food staple, is an amazing addition to any family’s grill repertoire. This grilled chicken is off-the-charts tasty and fairly simple to make.

Ingredients:
8 pieces of chicken legs or thighs, bone in
3 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoon fish sauce
2 limes, juiced
1 tablespoon chili paste, such as Sriracha
1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:
1. Blend all ingredients, other than chicken and cilantro, in a food processor. Once blended, add cilantro and pulse until just chopped. Marinate chicken overnight, turning once.

2. Place on indirect heat in a covered grill, skin-side down, for 15 minutes. Turn over, recover grill, and cook another 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

3. Serve with jasmine rice.

© 2012, Lauren Capitani. All rights reserved.

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