Robb's layered salad with spicy peanut dressi

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½poundsRed potatoes
2cupsCauliflower florets
1mediumCarrot, julienned
¼poundsGreen beans, sliced
2cupsGreen cabbage, shredded
1cupJicama, julienned
1cupCoconut milk
cupCrunchy peanut butter
1largeGarlic clove, minced
3tablespoonsIndonesian sweet soy sauce
3tablespoonsFresh lemon juice
1eachSquare inch of lemon zest
2tablespoonsBrown sugar
1teaspoonCrushed hot red pepper
½teaspoonSalt
2tablespoonsWater
2eachesScallions, thinly sliced
6eachesCherry tomatoes

Directions

SALAD

DRESSING

In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the potatoes until tender, 12 to 20 minutes, depending on size; drain. When cool enough to handle, peel and slice.

In another saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower until just tender, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and rinse under cold water; drain well.

In the same boiling water, repeat this process with the carrot, then the green beans, and finally the cabbage. (The jicama is not cooked.) To make the dressing, in a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, garlic, sweet soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, brown sugar, hot pepper, salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Keep warm over very low heat until ready to use.

Arrange the vegetables in layers in a large salad bowl. Scatter the scallions on top. Garnish with tomatoes. Pour the warm peanut butter sauce over all. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe by Robb Dabbs