Balinese Thousand Spice Sauce

This recipe was given to me by my mother.
Related Recipe: Spiced Lobster Saté.

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 red bird chilies, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 1/2 tablespoons galangal, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon kentjur (lesser galangal), peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric root peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
• 3 candlenuts or macadamia nuts, ground or finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste
• 1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup sweet soy sauce

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat the oil. Add all the ingredients except the sweet soy sauce and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan frequently, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes more.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add ¾ cup water and process until smooth. Return the purée to the skillet, place over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce; lower the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a few tablespoons cold water.
3. Strain the mixture in a sieve over a large bowl.

Further Information

Yield 4

Preparation Time is approxmiately 1 hour.

Cooking Time is approxmiately 1 hour.