Sambal Tempe: A Spicy Tempe Delight
Sambal Tempe is a vibrant dish that beautifully combines the rich, nutty flavor of tempe with a spicy and aromatic sambal. Perfect for those who appreciate Indonesian cuisine, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an exciting addition to any meal. Below is a detailed recipe that guides you through the preparation of this mouthwatering dish, along with nutritional information.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe | 1 papan (1 block) |
| Kemangi (Thai basil) | To taste |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 5 pieces |
| Red chili peppers | To taste |
| Green chili peppers | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Preparation of Tempe: Begin by cutting the tempe into bite-sized pieces. Once cut, soak the pieces in a mixture of your choice of seasonings, allowing the flavors to penetrate the tempe. This soaking step is crucial for enhancing the taste of the tempe.
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Frying the Tempe: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the soaked tempe pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This process should take approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Once fried, remove the tempe from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Making the Sambal: In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, red and green chili peppers, and kencur. Grind these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. The aroma will be intoxicating, reflecting the vibrant flavors that are about to come together.
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Combining the Ingredients: Heat a little more cooking oil in the same pan until hot. Once hot, pour the ground sambal paste into the oil, stirring it for about a minute to release the flavors.
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Mixing the Tempe and Sambal: In a large bowl or mortar, coarsely crush the fried tempe. Add the sambal mixture on top and gently mix to combine, ensuring that the tempe is well-coated with the spicy sambal.
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Finishing Touches: Add salt to taste and fold in the kemangi (Thai basil) leaves. This herb adds a fresh, aromatic quality that complements the dish perfectly.
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Serving: Serve the Sambal Tempe hot as a side dish or as a main component of your meal. Its robust flavors will enhance any rice dish or can be enjoyed on its own.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | Varies (to taste) |
Conclusion
Sambal Tempe is not only a testament to the wonderful flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also a dish that celebrates the versatility of tempe. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main attraction, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich taste and vibrant presentation. Enjoy cooking and savor the deliciousness of this delightful Sambal Tempe!
