Dried Chile Sauce

Every Thai family has their own recipe for nam jim jaeow, and everyone thinks theirs is the best. This chile sauce hails from the Isaan region of Thailand and pairs well with crying tiger (Thai-style grilled steak), barbecue chicken, fatty strips of pork cheek, and nuah daad diew, our beef jerky. Like most Thai food, nam jim jaeow is about striking a perfect balance: There is spicy heat, nutty toasted rice powder, bright acidity from tamarind, pungency fro