Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Put the boiling water, salt and sugar in a bowl. Mix to dissolve, then add the vinegar. Submerge the vegetables and leave for 2 hours. Drain before using, or store in the fridge submerged in the liquid.

Step 2: Mix the peanut sauce ingredients and set aside while you prepare the platter. Start with 1 tablespoon of lime juice and add more if you want a tarter sauce.

Step 3: Cut the prawns in half horizontally and remove the vein.

Step 4: Soak the noodles in boiling water according to the packet directions. Rinse under cold water to prevent them sticking, then drain very well.

Step 5: Pile everything onto a large platter or arrange it in small bowls, then let everyone help themselves.

Step 6: To assemble, place noodles in a lettuce leaf, followed by vegetables such as carrots and bean sprouts. Add prawns and tuck the herbs down the side. Drizzle with sauce, sprinkle with peanuts and chilli, then bundle up the leaf and eat.