Sayur Santan Labu Siam Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Dive into the heart of Indonesian cuisine with this vibrant and aromatic dish, Sayur Santan Labu Siam Tempe. Featuring the unique flavors of labu siam (squash) and tempeh, this recipe embodies the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia while offering a wholesome and satisfying meal. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to create this delicious dish that’s perfect for any family gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Labu Siam (medium-sized) | 2 pieces |
| Tempeh | 1 board |
| Shallots | 9 cloves |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Red Curly Chilies | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies | 10 pieces |
| Candlenuts | 2 pieces |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Bay Leaves | 3 leaves |
| Kara Coconut Milk | 1 packet |
| Water | 1 liter |
| Cooking Oil | As needed |
| Flavor Enhancer | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by cutting the tempeh into small pieces, similar to how you would prepare it for orek tempeh. This will help it absorb the flavors during cooking.
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Chop the Labu Siam: Peel the labu siam, then cut it into pieces according to your preference. Make sure to rinse them well under running water to keep them fresh and clean.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Peel and wash the garlic, shallots, and chilies thoroughly.
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Blend the Spices: Using a mortar and pestle or a blender, grind the red curly chilies, garlic, shallots, candlenuts, and salt into a smooth paste. This mixture will be the base of your dish, bringing vibrant flavors and aromas.
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Sauté the Spices: Heat some oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the spice mixture and sauté until fragrant, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Next, add the tempeh to the pan and fry it briefly, allowing it to absorb the aromatic flavors.
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Add Water: Pour in 1 liter of water (approximately 1.5 large cups) into the sautéed mixture. Stir well and wait for it to come to a rolling boil.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Once boiling, add the labu siam pieces, bird’s eye chilies, bay leaves, and the flavor enhancer. Follow this by gently pouring in the Kara coconut milk while stirring continuously. Allow everything to cook together for about 3 minutes.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish to see if it needs any adjustments. If you find it lacking in flavor, you may add more salt or a touch of sugar to balance the taste, though it’s perfectly delicious without any sugar.
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Serve: Once the vegetables are tender and cooked through, turn off the heat. Your Sayur Santan Labu Siam Tempe is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with steamed rice or as a part of a larger feast.
Final Thoughts
This delightful dish not only brings warmth to your table but also showcases the beauty of Indonesian flavors through its simple yet profound ingredients. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, it’s a testament to the love that goes into cooking. Enjoy your culinary journey with Sayur Santan Labu Siam Tempe, and happy cooking, Bunda!
