Sunappu pii no gomaae / snap peas in sesame dressing

<Ingredients>

Handful of snap peas

For gomaae sesame dressing
1 tbsp sake
1 tsp mirin
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame paste
1/2 tsp chili paste (optional)


<Directions>
1.

Blanch snap peas.

Drain, spread, and let cool.










2.

Put sake and mirin in a microwaveable bowl and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until the liquid is somewhat thickened.
Add sesame paste and mix well.

Add soy sauce and mix.
Cafe au lait color would be good.

(Optional) Add chili paste.










3.

When snap peas have cooled (at least to room temperature), add to the sesame dressing and mix.

Ideally, this should be done within 10 minutes of serving.
Otherwise snap peas become salty.

<Notes>

• This is a quick version of gomaae sesame dressing. Traditionally, sesame seeds are toasted and ground with pestle until oil comes out of seeds. Sake, mirin and soy sauce are then added The traditional method would give a more nutty taste and aroma.