Kering Tempe & Kacang Tanah (Spicy Fried Tempe with Peanuts)
Kering Tempe & Kacang Tanah is a delightful Indonesian dish that offers a combination of crispy tempeh and peanuts, infused with aromatic spices. This dish is known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, enriched by the fragrance of red chili, garlic, and palm sugar. A wonderful addition to your meal, it can be enjoyed as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (pressed soybeans) | 1 block (papan) |
| Peanuts (kacang tanah) | 1 handful |
| Red curly chili (cabe merah keriting) | 2 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 3 cloves |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 cm |
| Bay leaf (daun salam) | 1 leaf |
| Tamarind water (air asam jawa) | 3 tbsp |
| Salt (garam) | 1 tsp |
| Sugar (gula pasir) | 0.5 tsp |
| Palm sugar (gula jawa) | 1.5 tbsp |
| Cooking oil (minyak goreng) | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempe and Peanuts:
- Slice the tempe thinly, then deep-fry until crispy and golden. Set aside.
- Fry the peanuts until crispy and golden brown, then set aside.
-
Make the Spice Paste:
- Blend the shallots and garlic until smooth. Slice the red curly chilies thinly. Smash the galangal with the side of a knife, and slice the palm sugar into small pieces to help it dissolve quickly during cooking.
-
Cook the Spice Mixture:
- In a small pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red chilies and sauté until slightly wilted.
- Add the ground shallot-garlic paste, galangal, and bay leaf. Sauté the mixture until it becomes aromatic and fragrant.
-
Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the tamarind water, palm sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and the sugar dissolves completely.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Once it has cooled down, gently toss in the fried tempeh and peanuts. Stir thoroughly to coat the tempeh and peanuts with the spicy-sweet sauce.
-
Serve:
- Allow the dish to cool before serving. Kering Tempe & Kacang Tanah can be served as a side dish or a snack. It can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
This Indonesian classic offers a burst of flavors with each bite, combining the richness of fried tempeh with the nuttiness of peanuts, and the aromatic blend of spices. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy with your family or as part of a larger meal.
