Mendol Tempe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy
Mendol Tempe is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavors of tempeh, a fermented soybean product. This dish combines the earthy taste of tempeh with aromatic herbs and spices, creating delightful morsels that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect as a snack or side dish, Mendol Tempe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and delightful texture.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybean cake) | 1 papan |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil leaves (kemangi) | 1 bunch |
| For the spice blend: | |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabai rawit) | 5 pieces |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | A small amount |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (penyedap) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
Begin by steaming the tempeh for approximately 15 minutes until it is soft and heated through. Once done, let it cool slightly before handling. -
-
Make the Spice Paste:
In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the garlic, lime leaves, bird’s eye chili, and kencur. Grind or blend until a smooth paste is formed. -
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, crumble the steamed tempeh into fine pieces. Add the ground spice paste to the crumbled tempeh, mixing thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Then, incorporate the all-purpose flour and the fresh basil leaves, mixing until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. -
Shape the Mendol:
With your hands, take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into oval or round patties, about the size of a golf ball. Ensure the patties are compact to maintain their shape while frying. -
Fry the Mendol:
Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the shaped patties into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes on each side. -
Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the Mendol Tempe from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious snack or side dish.
Nutritional Information
While precise nutritional values can vary, here is an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Conclusion
Mendol Tempe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Indonesian culinary heritage, offering a burst of flavors that reflect the region’s rich agricultural bounty. With its crispy exterior and savory interior, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your table. Serve it with a spicy dipping sauce or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying snack that truly embodies the essence of comfort food.
