1. Pour half the water & all the coconut in a 4 pint bowl or casserole. Cover & cook on 100% (high) power for 2 minutes.

2. Stir the coconut & add the remaining water. Spread the lettuce leaves on top evenly, recover & cook on 100% power for 2 minutes.

3. Stir the contents, cover & let stand for 5 minutes, then uncover & allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.

4. Put the coconut & lettuce mixture, chile peppers & tamarind in a food processor & chop coarsely.

5. Add the salt & cumin & blend for a few seconds longer.

enough to

use in a salad.

You can substitute 1 1/2 Tablespoons for the lemon juice.

For microwave ovens lower than 700 watts: 500 watts: add 40 seconds to every

minute stated in recipe. 600 watts: add 20 seconds to every minute stated in

recipe. 650 watts: only a slight increase in overall time necessary.