15-18 dry red chillies
3 tbsp pure sesame oil, divided
1 small whole serrano chilli, finely chopped (optional)
8 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2" fresh ginger piece, finely chopped
1.5 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp sichuan peppers,crushed
1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp light soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1.5 tsp sugar (or to taste)
Note - The color and heat of the schezwan paste (and the noodles) depends on the variety of dried chilies. If you use kashmiri chillies, the color would be perfect deep red.
For the noodles (Serves 2-3)
6 oz noodles
1 tbsp oil, divided (to be added while boiling the noodles as well as after straining)
2 tbsp canola oil +1 tbsp sesame oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
5-6 scallions, green & white parts chopped separately
1.5 - 2 cup chopped/shredded vegetables (I used cabbage, bell peppers & beans)
1 tsp dark soy sauce
2-4 tbsp schezwan sauce (or to taste, recipe above)
10-12 medium shrimp, precooked
1 tsp white vinegar or fresh lime juice (to taste)
Salt
Chopped Cilantro, Scallions, chillies, sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
Method
For the Schezwan Sauce
Soak the red chillies in 1/3 cup warm water for 20-25 minutes. Transfer the soaked chillies to a blender (reserving the water) along with 1 tbsp sesame oil, garlic, ginger, serrano(if using), tomato paste, sichuan peppers, vinegar,soy sauce, salt and black pepper. Blend to a smooth paste. You could use the reserved water from soaking the chillies if needed but do not use too much.
Cook noodles as per package instructions. Add 2 tsp of oil and salt to the water when you are boiling the noodles. After you have drained the noodles, rub them with remaining oil and let sit. This is so that the noodles do not stick while you make the sauce.
Next, add the dark soy sauce along with schezwan sauce (it is hot so add the quantity depending on your taste). Saute for a minute or so. Add the noodles and salt next and toss everything together.
Add the cooked shrimp, scallion green parts and vinegar (or lime juice) next.Combine everything and let cook for a couple of minutes more.