Kering Tempe: A Crispy Tempeh Delight
Kering Tempe is a traditional Indonesian dish that marries the delightful crunch of fried tempeh with the savory goodness of fried anchovies and spices. This recipe creates a snack or side dish that is not only delicious but also packs a punch of flavor. Ideal for sharing or as a complement to your favorite meals, this dish embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Tempeh | 250 grams |
Dried anchovies | 250 grams |
Garlic | 7 cloves |
Shallots | 7 cloves |
Kaffir lime leaves | 1 leaf |
Ginger | 2 cm |
Bird’s eye chilies | to taste |
Dried peanuts | 250 grams |
Sweet soy sauce | to taste |
Water | as needed |
Salt | to taste |
Chicken or vegetable bouillon powder | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Start by slicing the tempeh into small, thin pieces. This allows it to fry evenly and become delightfully crispy. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh until it is golden brown and dry. Once cooked, remove it from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Fry the Peanuts: In the same oil, fry the dried peanuts until they are golden and crispy. This step adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dish. Once done, remove and set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a food processor or using a mortar and pestle, blend the shallots and garlic into a fine paste. This aromatic blend will be the base of your flavor profile.
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Prepare the Anchovies: Rinse the dried anchovies under cold water to remove any excess saltiness. Then, in a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil and fry the anchovies until they are halfway cooked. Add the spice paste, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves to the anchovies and continue frying until fragrant and the spices are well combined.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the anchovies and spices are fragrant, add the fried tempeh and peanuts to the pan. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the tempeh and peanuts are well-coated with the aromatic mixture.
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Season the Dish: Pour in the sweet soy sauce and add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and chicken or vegetable bouillon powder as necessary. The balance of flavors is crucial, so feel free to tweak the seasoning to your liking.
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Cook Until Dry: Allow the mixture to simmer until the water has reduced and the dish is almost dry. For optimal shelf life, make sure it reaches a drier consistency. If prepared correctly, Kering Tempe can last up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Kering Tempe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a savory snack, a side dish, or as a topping for rice. Its crispy texture and rich flavor will surely impress your family and friends.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Varies based on portion size |
Protein | Varies based on portion size |
Fat | Varies based on portion size |
Carbohydrates | Varies based on portion size |
Fiber | Varies based on portion size |
Sodium | Varies based on portion size |
Kering Tempe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that showcases the versatility of tempeh and the vibrant culinary heritage of Indonesia. Enjoy this recipe, and let it inspire your own culinary adventures!