Dongbei Salad

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup peanuts, unsalted
• 2 teaspoons peanut oil
• 1 leek, white part only, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• szechuan peppercorns (optional)
• 4 slices gingerroot, 4 quarter-sized coins (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, plus
• 3 garlic cloves
• 8 ounces green cabbage, leaves stacked & cut into into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 cucumber, cut into quarters lengthwise & cut into very thin slices (peeled or unpeeled, seeded or unseeded)
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 lb tofu, shredded
• 2 teaspoons chinese black vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Put peanuts in medium skillet & heat using med-low heat for about 7 minutes, shaking them to avoid burning, until they are fragrant and visibly darkened. Cool completely. Coarsely chop them.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a wok over high heat until you see oil shimmer. Add the leek, peppercorns and ginger root, if using, and garlic. Cook for 10 to 15 seconds, being careful not to let the leek or garlic burn. Remove from the heat and strain into a small heatproof bowl, discarding the solids. Let cool slightly.

3. 3

   Combine the cabbage, cucumber, carrot, peanuts, bean sprouts, tofu, black vinegar, minced garlic, salt, sugar and the infused oil in a large bowl. Toss to mix well, then serve immediately.