10 shallots
2 garlic cloves
5 dried chilies
5 red chilies
1/2 cm fresh ginger
2 candlenut
1/2 tsp ground coriander (or 2 tbsp coriander seeds)
1/4 cup cooking oil
30 g palm sugar (gula melaka / gula merah)
1/2 tbsp tamarind pulp, dissolve in 2 tbsp hot water
5 kaffir lime leaves
5 salam leaves, bruised
30 g galangal, bruised
1 lemongrass
1/4 fresh nutmeg
3 cloves
2 cm cinnamon
1/4 star anise (optional)
1 cardamom pod
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
250 cc coconut milk
100 g roasted peanuts, ground coarsely
50 cc hot water (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
directions:
Pound shallots, garlic, dried and fresh chilies, ginger, candlenut and ground coriander in a mortar to coarse paste.
Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan. Stir-fry chili paste over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
Add palm sugar and tamarind juice. Cook for another minute.
Add kaffir lime leaves, salam leaves, galangal and lemongrass stalks. Stir-fry quickly about 2 minutes.
Pour in coconut milk and lower heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, keep on stirring.
Toss in the rest of the spices and cook briefly for a minute.
Add the ground peanut. Stir well and remove from heat.
Serve warm with satay or meat skewers and rice cake.