Monday, May 07, 2007

Peanut Coconut Curry Sauce - So easy even the Geico Caveman can do it

I love PF Changs - the Chinese Bistro. But have you tried getting a table at the restaurant lately? Reservation or not - you need advance notice to plan for a fun evening at PF Changs - the place is notoriously full by 6:30 pm on most week nights! I haven't been there as many times as I would like because most of our plans tend to be spontaneous and regrettably last minute - so I am left salivating on thoughts of Tofu lettuce wraps, Coconut curry vegetables and some fresh brewed tea!


I came across a recipe for a Simple Coconut based peanut sauce (vegetarian-ized version of Sandra Lee's recipe) - once all the ingredients are at hand, it took less than 10 mins to put together. Reminded me of PF Chang's Coconut Curry sauce - one of my favorites. My kind of a meal - definitely one that would please many others. And I hereby confer on this recipe the Geico Caveman approval seal. Here is the recipe that will comfortably serve 2 as the main meal with rice






Vegetables in Peanut Coconut Curry Sauce
1/2 block of tofu cut into cubes (of desired size)
1 tbsp oil
a splash of soy sauce
Heat oil in a pan. When oil is HOT, add the cubes of tofu and pan fry till a nice brown crust is formed. Add a splash of soy sauce and allow the tofu to absorb the liquid.
2 cups of chopped vegetables of your choice (green beans, peppers, broccoli, snap peas etc)
salt to taste
Add veggies and salt to the pan, cook till vegetables are tender crisp. Around 3-5 minutes
1 12 oz can light coconut milk
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp red chili paste
1 tsp tamarind extract (or a few bits of tamarind soaked in the stock)
Whisk together ingredients on the left into a smooth sauce. Add to the pan of simmering veggies. Taste for salt since the broth/peanut butter are seasoned. Simmer and let sauce thicken for about 6-8 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve with steamed brown or white rice

11 comments:

Roopa said...

This curry looks delicious! Does it have a very strong peanut butter flavour? i love peanuts but not much of peanut butter. i have a bottle of it i have to find way to make correct use of it.
thks for the recipe!

Anonymous said...

Hi there ,
that looks lovely just had a question what brand of chilli paste do u use ?? Can i use sambal olek??
Thanks

FH said...

LOL @ Caveman! I bet he can't do it!!:D
I amke Thai curries with Peanut butter too,looks and sounds delicious.Thanks SL!
Good to back in action girl:))

bee said...

looks wonderful. this one is being bookmarked.

TNL said...

I love P.F.Chang's too..and their tofu lettuce wraps!
your recipe is indeed simple....will try it for a change than my regular Gujju Fare each day.

trupti

Suganya said...

Love it!!! And, Glad to have u back

GourmayMasala said...

Roopa - The peanut taste is not that strong. But if you are aprehensive, reduce the quantity of peanut butter by a little. I know what you mean about the peanut butter. This is one good way of using up that jar.

Nina - Yes, you can use sambal olek. Keep in mind that it can be a bit sour so reduce the lemon juice or tamarind.

Thanks, Asha, Bee, Trupti and Suganya. Let me know if you tried this one.

Indian Culinary Center said...

would have read your blog more until i read your affinity to sandra lee, that is enough to turn me off forever. how about rachael ray? what about the main course by her? would really complete the faux meal.

Satyasurabhi said...

Dear Garam Masala,
That was a wonderful recipe and looks like a wholesome meal. The instructions are also clear and and this sounds like a rich combination of vegetables and spice. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.

Unknown said...

I am cooking this as i'm typing and so far it is tasting delicious! a couple of things i did different was (1) used sriracha chili sauce instead of the chili paste, and (2) added a bit of curry powder to give it more of the "curry" taste i love. once my rice is fully cooked, i'm looking forward to feasting.

thank you!

Anonymous said...

I just made this and it is delicious! Very strong peanut butter taste. O so Yummy!