Sambal Kacang

This famous Indonesian peanut sauce is pronounced "sahm-bal kah-CHANG." Another name for it is bumbu satay. Serve with satay ayam or gado gado.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

• Natural peanut butter -- 1 cup
• Water -- 3/4 cup
• Soy sauce -- 2 tablespoons
• Sambal oelek (chile paste) , or minced hot chiles -- 2 teaspoons
• Brown sugar -- 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt -- to taste

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Variations

• Substitute coconut milk for some of the water if you like.
• Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon shrimp paste.
• Squeeze in the juice of one lemon or two limes if you like. Or add 1 tablespoon tamarind paste.