Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Recipe by Steven Raichlen

Ingredients

1. 1 tomato--peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
2. 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. 2 scallions, finely chopped
5. 1 Thai chile, seeded and minced
6. 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass, tender inner bulb only, minced
7. 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
8. 1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
9. 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nuoc mam)
10. 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11. 2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
12. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 

Directions

1. In a processor, combine the tomato, cilantro, garlic, scallions, chile and lemongrass; pulse until finely chopped. Add the peanut butter, stock, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and pepper and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and serve.