Being all cooped up at home, I start to get cravings for food I can’t have (i.e., going out to a restaurant). Yesterday, I looked around my kitchen, and decided to make something adventurous, since going out was not an option. I remembered making a yummy peanut sauce to serve over vegetables a gazillion years ago, remembered that it was easy to make, and also remembered that I lost the recipe. So online I went. I found three different recipes that were basically all the same, with a tad more or less of this or that.

Now, part of the beauty of this sauce is that it is so quick to make. I put on some water to boil fo pasta, put some butter in a saute pan over medium heat for veggies, and then got to making the peanut sauce. I may have already mentioned that I am in love with my immersion blender. It came with a tall cylindrical measuring cup that I almost gave away, but then for some reason changed my mind. OH MY am I glad I changed my mind. It is fabulous. I just put all the ingredients in the measuring cup, and blend with the immersion blender. Clean up is a snap. Here is what I’m talking about.

Okay, back to what I was doing. Water on to boil, butter melting in a saute pan… I made the peanut sauce in less time than it took to boil water, and even had time to chop broccoli, carrots, and cilantro. Boiled the pasta, sautéed the veggies, and put it all together in about a half hour total. So not only delicious and healthy, but fast too!

Thai Peanut Sauce

(Adapted from Minimalist Baker)

• 1/2 cup creamy salted peanut butter (the kind with just peanuts and salt)
• 2 (or more) Tablespoons soy sauce (start with less and add to taste)
• 2 (or more) Tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/2 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon crushed fresh ginger (optional – I use the frozen cubes from TJ’s)
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
• Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

In a blender or using an immersion blender, blend first six ingredients together, adjusting amounts to taste. Add water little by little until you get to the consistency you like. Use to drizzle over noodles and veggies or use as a dip. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges; they really make this sauce stand out!