TIMUN MESANTEN (Cucumber With Coconut Sauce)

OVERVIEW:
The bland flavor of cucumbers can be enhanced when prepared with coconut milk and spicy seasonings.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp oil
3 shallots, peeled and sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
2 large red chilies, seeded and sliced
½ tsp dried shrimp paste
2 cups coconut milk
2 medium sized cucumbers, peeled, seeded and sliced
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black peppercorns, crushed
Fried shallots to garnish

PREPARATION:
Heat oil in heavy saucepan. Add shallots, garlic and chilies and sauté for 2 minutes over low heat. Mix in shrimp paste and sauté for another minute. Pour in coconut milk and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cucumbers and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are cooked. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with salt and pepper. Garnish with fried shallots. Helpful hints: Any type of green bean can be used instead of the long Asian variety.