Garlic Peanut Sauce

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped
2. 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
3. 1 large stalk of fresh lemongrass, bottom third of the tender white inner bulb only, thinly sliced
4. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
5. 1 tablespoon ground coriander
6. 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (see Note)
7. 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
8. 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate (see Note)
9. 1 tablespoon sugar
10. 2 1/2 tablespoons smooth or chunky peanut butter
11. Salt

1. In a mini food processor, combine the chopped onion, chopped garlic and lemongrass, and process to a paste.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the onion paste and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the ground coriander and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the sambal oelek and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk and boil over high heat until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tamarind concentrate, sugar and peanut butter until smooth. Remove from the heat and season with salt. Let cool, then transfer to a bowl.