Peanut Sauce

Place the peanuts in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or any other heavy instrument, crush them until they’re in small pieces, but not powdered. Set aside.

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the peanut butter, water and soy sauce till it has a smooth consistency. Pour into a large bowl.

Add the vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, lime juice, pepper flakes, stirring vigorously with a wire whisk. It can take a little work to make the peanut butter accept its new bowlmates. Consider it your workout for the day.

Add the honey and brown sugar. If you want a more savory sauce, omit these two, or add just a pinch of each. I think they help round out the peanut flavor!

Add the green onions last, so they don’t get mushy. Make sure to taste the sauce for flavoring! I usually end up adding a little more vinegar and soy sauce, but that’s just me.

Finally: remember the crushed peanuts? In a dry pan, roast them over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, until you can smell them (mmm!). Add the warm peanuts to the sauce and stir. They’ll add a whole new level of flavor to the sauce. Enjoy!