Indian Long Pepper — พริกไทยยาว (phrik thai yao) or ดีปลี (dee plee)— Piper longum
2 min readJan 6, 2024
Indian Long Pepper, or dee plee in Thai, is a unique spice that adds a complex flavor profile to Thai cuisine. It has a warm, peppery, and slightly citrusy taste with a good amount of heat. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your Thai cooking:
Common Uses of Dee Plee
Curries: Dee plee is a classic ingredient in many Thai curries, especially those with a strong, robust flavor profile. It adds depth and complexity to the curry paste.
Craving something spicy and flavorful? Try this delicious Vegan Thai Curry with Dee Plee! 🌶️🔥 This simple yet satisfying dish is packed with aromatic spices and a hint of heat. Perfect for a cozy night in or a vegetarian dinner party.
- Soups: A small amount of dee plee can elevate the flavor of your Thai soups, giving them a warm and spicy kick.
- Stir-fries: Use dee plee in stir-fries for an extra layer of flavor. You can add it whole to the stir-fry or grind it into a powder and sprinkle it over the finished dish.
- Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad): Dee plee can add a unique twist to your som tam. Use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
- Pickles: Dee plee is often used in Thai pickles to give them a spicy and flavorful kick.
- Spice Blends: Create your own custom spice blends by combining dee plee with other Thai spices like coriander, cumin, and chili peppers.
Tips for Using Dee Plee
- Start with a small amount: Dee plee can be quite strong, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Toasting: Toasting dee plee before grinding it can enhance its flavor.
- Pairing: Dee plee pairs well with other strong flavors like lemongrass, galangal, and lime.
- Medicinal Uses: In traditional Thai medicine, dee plee is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving pain.
Remember: The intensity of the heat in dee plee can vary, so it’s essential to taste as you go.