Saus Kacang Tanah Javanese Peanut Sauce Food

SAUS KACANG (INDONESIAN PEANUT SAUCE)

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a large wok or and set over medium heat until shimmering hot. Add the peanuts and stir and cook until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Toss them continuously so they cook evenly without burning.
• Scoop up the peanuts with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to cool. Remove any burnt peanuts, they will taste bitter.
• When the peanuts are cool enough to handle, grind them in a small food processor or pulverize them with a mortar and pestle until they have the texture of coarse sand.
• Mix the water together with the lime leaves, tamarind, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then adjust the heat until it is bubbling gently. Simmer for about 5 minutes, breaking up the tamarind pulp.
• Remove the lime leaves and any chunks of tamarind pulp with a slotted spoon. Add the ground peanuts and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Adjust the heat and simmer gently until thick and creamy like gravy, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often so the sauce doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the sambal oelek and Thai chilies (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, making sure the acidity of the tamarind or lime sings through.
• Serve the peanut sauce with vegetables or as a dipping sauce for grilled kebabs.

KATJANG SAUCE (SPICY PEANUT SAUCE)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet and cook the shallots and garlic 3 to 4 minutes, until they are soft and transparent but not brown.
• Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Add the ground peanuts, soy sauce, molasses, lime juice, ginger, and chilies or cayenne.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving with chicken satay or satay ayam (see my recipe posted on this site).

JAVANESE PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Saute onion in the peanut or vegetable oil just until soft, in a small frying pan; stir in the cardamom.
• Blend peanut butter with brown sugar in a small bowl; stir in the remaining ingredients, then stir in the cooled onion mixture.
• Let stand at room temperature until serving time.