Shrimp with Chile Paste

Ingredients

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 cup water

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

• 4 red chiles, such as jalapeños, seeds and stems removed, chopped

• 1 small piece ginger, peeled

• 2 ripe tomatoes, quartered

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• Salt to taste

For the  Shrimp:

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 3 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on

Instructions

In a blender or food processor, combine all the Spice Paste ingredients and puree until smooth.

In a wok, heat the oil until hot and fry the shrimp for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove them to a bowl lined with paper towels.

Add the Spice Paste to the wok and fry on high heat for about five minutes, or until it smells very fragrant, stirring constantly. Add the shrimp and stir together for 1 minute. Remove and serve the shrimp in the sauce.