Singaporean Long Beans With Lemon Grass Food

SINGAPOREAN LONG BEANS WITH LEMON GRASS

Steps:

• Roll the shrimp paste into a ball and place it in the center of a 5-inch square of aluminum foil. Fold the sides of the foil over to form a small parcel, then flatten into a disk 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Set a gas burner to medium-low or an electric burner to medium-high. Using tongs, place the sealed parcel directly on the heat source. Toast until the paste begins to smoke and release a toasted-shrimp smell, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. With the tongs, turn the parcel over and toast for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Let cool for a minute. Carefully unwrap the foil; the edges of the disk should be black-brown, and the center should be golden with some black-brown patches. Set aside.
• Remove the brown bottom and green top of the lemongrass stalk, leaving a pale 5-inch piece. Discard 2 of the outer layers, then cut crosswise into 1/4 -inch slices. Place in the bowl of a food processor. Add the shallots, chilies, candlenuts, ginger and toasted shrimp paste. Purée to a smooth paste, about 1 minute. (If it sticks to the sides, add up to 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time, periodically turning off the processor and scraping down the sides of the bowl.) Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a 3-quart saucepan on medium-high, then lower to medium. Add the paste and sauté, stirring to prevent scorching, until the paste begins to separate from the oil, about 5 minutes. Add the long beans and stir to coat. Add 1/3 cup water and stir. Bring to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans just begin to lose their rawness and yield to the prick of a fork, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Remove the lid, increase the heat and return to a lively simmer. After 2 minutes, add the sugar and soy sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. Continue simmering until no sauce remains and the beans are sautéing in oil, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a serving dish and let rest for at least 10 minutes.