RECIPE

Ecuadoran Peanut Sauce

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 6

At Zafra, Maricel Presilla likes to spoon this sauce over steamed or boiled new potatoes. It's also good with grilled or poached chicken and shrimp.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • FAST
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
    2. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground achiote or sweet paprika
    3. 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
    4. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    5. 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
    6. 2/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, coarsely chopped
    7. 1/2 cup whole milk
    8. 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves
    9. Salt

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the oil with the achiote and bring to a simmer. Transfer to a bowl and let stand until the achiote settles to the bottom.
  2. Carefully pour the oil into a medium skillet, leaving the achiote behind. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened and lightly browned. Add the pepper and cumin and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peanuts, milk and cilantro and bring to a boil. Transfer the peanut sauce to a food processor and pulse until chunky. Season with salt and serve warm.

Make Ahead

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.