Northern Noodle Sauce

1 small clove garlic, chopped

½ green onion, mainly white part, thinly sliced

¼ cup dark soy sauce

2 teaspoons black rice vinegar

1 teaspoon Hot Chili Oil (page 23)

½ teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 4 teaspoons water

1. Combine garlic clove and green onion with the dark soy sauce, black rice vinegar, Hot Chili Oil, sugar, and sesame oil. Process in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the sauce to a boil. Give the cornstarch-and-water mixture a quick stir. Add to the sauce, stirring vigorously to thicken. Cool and serve as a dip or serve hot with noodles.