Sambel Penyet Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Sambel penyet tempe is a vibrant and tantalizing dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, combining the rich flavors of sambel (chili sauce) with crispy fried tempe. This recipe showcases a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients that create a spicy, savory, and aromatic sauce, perfect for elevating any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red curly chili peppers | 15 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 8 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ripe tomatoes | 1½ pieces |
| Shrimp paste | 1 small packet (adjust to taste) |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Seasoning | To taste |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Basil leaves | 2 bunches |
| Calamondin lime | 1 piece |
| For Serving: | |
| Fried tempe | 1 block |
| Fried eggplant | 1 piece |
| Boiled carrot, sliced | 1 piece |
| Boiled green beans | A handful |
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving; values may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fats | 8 g |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing the red curly chili peppers, bird’s eye chili, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and basil leaves. Ensure all ingredients are fresh to enhance the flavors of the sambel.
-
Frying the Ingredients: In a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the washed chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes. Fry them until they are soft and aromatic, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Making the Sambel: Once the ingredients are cooked, transfer them to a mortar and pestle (or a food processor). Add the shrimp paste, sugar, salt, and sesame seeds. Grind the mixture until it reaches a desired consistency—smooth or chunky, depending on your preference.
-
Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sambel and adjust the seasoning with more sugar, salt, or shrimp paste as needed. The balance of flavors is crucial for a delightful sambel experience.
-
Serving the Dish: Transfer the sambel to a serving dish. Squeeze the juice of the calamondin lime over the sambel to add a refreshing citrus note.
-
Fried Tempe and Accompaniments: Serve the sambel alongside the crispy fried tempe, fried eggplant, boiled carrot slices, and boiled green beans for a complete meal. Each bite can be enjoyed with a generous spoonful of sambel for a spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more.
-
Enjoying the Meal: Prepare to indulge in this dish, which is perfect for those who love spicy food. It’s not uncommon to find yourself reaching for more rice to complement the bold flavors of sambel penyet tempe.
Final Thoughts
Sambel penyet tempe is not just a dish; it’s an experience that invites you to savor the vibrant flavors of Indonesia. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, this sambel is sure to be a hit at your dining table, making every meal a memorable one. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the joy of sharing this delightful culinary creation with family and friends!
