Quail with Garlic and Peppercorns

ON EVERY THAI menu there is at least one item that is deep-fried with garlic and peppercorns. It is a delicious way of dressing food. Any meat, fish or vegetable that can sustain deep-frying can be treated this way. The garlic, coriander root and white peppercorn mixture is one of the most ancient spice combinations in Thai food, and it is found in marinades, in curry pastes, in stir-fries and soups. This taste, along with chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and kapi (shrimp paste), is