CHICKEN AND PORK SATAYS

My Cellar

Serves 4 to 6

3 tbsp (45 ml) canola oil

1 stalk lemongrass, dry leaves removed, coarsely chopped

3 garlic cloves

1 red Thai chili pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped

1 tbsp (15 ml) curry powder

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander

1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce

1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce

1 tsp (5 ml) palm or brown sugar

¼ cup (50 ml) coconut milk

1 to 1½ lbs (500 to 750 ml) combination of chicken breast, thighs or pork, cut into thin 1 x 3-in (2.5 x 7.5 cm) strips

SATAY SAUCE:

¼ cup (50 ml) canola oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

½ tsp (2 ml) dried red chili flakes, or to taste

3 kaffir lime leaves or zest of 1 lime

½ tsp (2 ml) curry powder

1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped lemongrass

1½ cup (375 ml) coconut milk

1 x 2-in (5 cm) cinnamon stick

2 tsp (10 ml) tamarind paste

1 to 3 tbsp (15 to 45 ml) fish sauce, or to taste

3 tbsp (45 ml) palm or brown sugar

3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice

1 cup (250 ml) chunky peanut butter

Place all ingredients except for the meat into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Separate chicken and pork in two bowls and divide marinade and pour on top. Mix well to combine and marinate for 2 hours.
Thread meat onto skewers and place on barbecue or grill, turning occasionally, until cooked.
To make SATAY SAUCE: Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, red chili flakes, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder and lemon grass.
Sauté 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant and onions start to soften.
Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Be careful sauce does not stick to bottom of saucepan. Makes 1½ cups (375 ml)