Oriental Black Bean Sauce

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 hot chili peppers, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons asian chili sauce
• 1/4 cup fermented black beans
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1/3 cup chicken stock or 1/3 cup vegetable stock
• 1 -2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons fat-free key lime yogurt

Recipe

• 1 drain the tinned beans, then place in a bowl, cover with fresh cold water and soak 30 minutes.
• 2 rinse well in a colander under cold running water, drain, then lightly mash with a fork on a wooden board.
• 3 heat the oil in a small pan, add the onions, red pepper, ginger, garlic and chili pepper (if used), and saute on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions have just softened.
• 4 add the fermented black beans, and mash them lightly with the back of a wooden spoon while stirring them in.
• 5 add the asian chili sauce (in place of the chili pepper if wished), mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar and stock, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• 6 taste, and add the brown sugar (if desired), then the cornflour mixed with a little water, and cook briefly until the sauce has just thickened.
• 7 when ready to serve, add the sauce to four cups of lightly stir-fried vegetables (as suggested above), along with some sauteed beef or chicken strips if desired.
• 8 toss and heat through in a wok, and serve over steamed rice or coooked noodles.
• 9 if you wish, garnish the finished dish with crispy fried noodles, chopped fresh cilantro, or roasted cashew nuts.