Mendol Tempe: A Delightful Tempeh Snack
Mendol Tempe is a delicious Indonesian dish that brings together the nutty flavors of tempeh with aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a snack that is both satisfying and full of character. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cooking.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tempeh (steamed) | 1 block |
| Overripe tempeh (steamed) | 1/2 block |
| Kaffir lime leaves (finely sliced) | 2 leaves |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Spice Mix | |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 2 cm |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 5 pieces |
| Seasoning | |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Bouillon powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tempeh: Start by steaming both the fresh and overripe tempeh blocks until they are tender. Once steamed, allow them to cool slightly before handling.
-
-
Mash the Tempeh: In a mixing bowl, crumble the steamed tempeh until it is semi-fine. The texture should be crumbly but not too smooth.
-
Mix the Ingredients: Add the finely sliced kaffir lime leaves to the mashed tempeh. In a mortar and pestle, grind together the garlic cloves, kencur, and bird’s eye chilies until you achieve a smooth paste. Combine this spice mixture with the mashed tempeh, ensuring that it is well incorporated.
-
Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the ground coriander, salt, sugar, and bouillon powder. Mix everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the tempeh mixture.
-
Shape the Mendol: Using your hands, take portions of the mixture and shape them into oval balls, ensuring they are compact enough to hold their shape when frying.
-
Fry the Mendol: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the shaped mendol into the oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
-
Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the mendol from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm as a snack or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Conclusion
Mendol Tempe is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that showcases the versatility of tempeh. This recipe is simple to follow and allows you to enjoy a taste of Indonesian cuisine in the comfort of your home. Serve it at gatherings, or enjoy it as a quick treat, and delight in the joy it brings to your table!
