4 spears fresh asparagus, thinly sliced width-ways
4 mild red chillies or 2 long red peppers
2 Thai red chillies
1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
2cm/戮in piece ginger, peeled and sliced
1 lime, juice only
4 small, round shallots, peeled and left whole
1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings
500ml/18fl oz chicken stock
1 tsp black peppercorns
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cardamom pods
1 tsp caster sugar
1 cinnamon stick
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp Thai fish sauce
3 star anise
4 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 small ham hock