Spicy Coconut Curry Sauce

 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup minced onion
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cups well-stirred unsweetened coconut milk (from 2 cans)
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro sprigs (optional)

Preparation

Cook onion, garlic, curry paste, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in oil in a wide 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add coconut milk and gently simmer, stirring frequently, until reduced to 2 cups, 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, cayenne, cilantro (if desired), and salt to taste.