For the dressing:
2 or 3 large lemongrass stalks, green parts removed
One 1-1/2-inch piece galangal (or one 2-inch piece ginger)
1/3 cup dry salted anchovies, rinsed and patted dry (or 2 oz. oil-packed anchovies, drained)
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup palm sugar (or light brown sugar)
3 or 4 large shallots, peeled and lightly crushed
3 or 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or grated zest of 2 limes)