Sepen with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• For the spicy peanut sauce: For the spicy peanut sauce:
• 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts
• 2 red chili peppers, seeded and chopped 2 red chili peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• For serving: For serving:
• Steamed rice Steamed rice
• Fresh cucumber slices Fresh cucumber slices

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, turmeric powder, coriander powder, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice charred exterior. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, prepare the spicy peanut sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, red chili peppers, garlic, tamarind paste, palm sugar, water, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Transfer the spicy peanut sauce to a serving bowl.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled chicken thighs with steamed rice, fresh cucumber slices, and a generous drizzle of the spicy peanut sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Tamarind paste — If you can't find tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lime juice for a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier sauce, add more chili peppers to the peanut sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any coarse bits.
• Marinating the chicken overnight will result in a more flavorful dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Sepen with steamed rice and fresh cucumber slices on the side. Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce generously over the grilled chicken for maximum flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken thighs on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and place a bowl of the spicy peanut sauce in the center. Serve the dish with steamed rice and cucumber slices on the side for a visually appealing presentation.