Tumis Pare Tempe: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight
Tumis Pare Tempe is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian stir-fry that brings together the unique bitterness of pare (bitter melon) with the savory goodness of tempeh. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dish!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bitter Melon (Pare) | 3 medium-sized pieces |
| Tempeh | 1 small block |
| Red Chili Peppers | 5 pieces |
| Bird’s Eye Chili | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Bay Leaves | 3 leaves |
| Galangal (smashed) | 1 piece (about 1-inch) |
| For the Spice Paste: | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Candlenuts (Kemiri) | 3 pieces |
| White Pepper | ½ teaspoon (can be replaced with ground pepper) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Seasoning | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bitter Melon:
- Thinly slice the bitter melon and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add warm water to help reduce its bitterness. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove excess bitterness.
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-
Chop the Ingredients:
- Slice the tempeh, red chili peppers, bird’s eye chili, and shallots into small pieces, ensuring they are ready for stir-frying.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend together the garlic, candlenuts, and white pepper to form a smooth paste.
-
Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- In a skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, spice paste, and all the chili peppers. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
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Add Flavorful Herbs:
- Toss in the galangal and bay leaves, stirring them into the mix.
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Incorporate Liquid:
- Pour in about 1 cup of water, allowing the mixture to come to a boil.
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Add Tempeh and Bitter Melon:
- Carefully add the tempeh and bitter melon to the pan. Season with additional salt and seasoning to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
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Cook Until Done:
- Continue to cook until the tempeh is golden and the bitter melon is tender yet retains a slight crunch, about 5-7 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove from heat and serve the Tumis Pare Tempe hot with steamed rice or as a side dish to complement your meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
This Tumis Pare Tempe not only tantalizes your taste buds with its intricate flavors but also introduces a wonderful medley of textures. The bitterness of the pare beautifully contrasts with the nutty flavor of tempeh, making this dish a standout option for both casual dinners and special gatherings. Give it a try, and indulge in this remarkable Indonesian culinary delight!
