Sambal Oelek

Sambal Oelek (Southeast Asia Hot Chile Paste)

Ingredients:

• two dozen fresh red Thai, Vietnamese or equivalent chiles
• vinegar (or if possible, tamarind liquid)
• one Tablespoon kosher salt

Method:

• Remove stems
• Slice into quarters
• Put the chiles, seeds and all, into a blender.
• Pulse blender while adding liquid (add enough to keep everything moving)
• Blend until it forms a medium paste.
• Continue blending while adding salt.

Storage:

• Put into sterilized jars and refrigerate.

Use Sambal Oelek to spice up Asian dishes:

• Stir a spoonful of Sambal Oelek into a soup. 
• Add Sambal Oelek to a stir-fry.