Kering Tempe Kacang: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy
Embark on a culinary journey to Indonesia with this delightful dish, Kering Tempe Kacang. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of crispy tempeh, savory peanuts, and a harmonious blend of spices, making it an ideal accompaniment for steamed rice or as a snack on its own. Let’s explore how to create this scrumptious dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to prepare Kering Tempe Kacang:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybeans), thinly sliced | 1/2 board (approximately 200g) |
| Fried peanuts | 1 handful |
| Spice Mixture: | |
| Garlic, minced (or fried garlic for flavor) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Shallots, finely chopped | 5 cloves |
| Red chili peppers, sliced diagonally | 3 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili peppers, sliced thinly | 7 pieces |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Tamarind water (from 1/2 small pack of tamarind) | 5 tablespoons |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Jaggery or palm sugar | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt, pepper, and seasoning | To taste |
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation steps:
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Fry the Tempeh: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat and fry the sliced tempeh until it is golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the finely chopped shallots and sliced red and bird’s eye chilies, stirring frequently. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaves as well for added flavor.
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Add the Tamarind and Seasonings: Once the onions are translucent, pour in the tamarind water, sweet soy sauce, jaggery, salt, pepper, and a little water. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together, until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary—this step is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently add the fried tempeh and fried peanuts to the pan, tossing everything together until the tempeh and peanuts are well coated with the aromatic mixture. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the flavors can fully integrate.
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Serve: Once everything is mixed and heated through, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Kering Tempe Kacang to a serving plate. This dish is best enjoyed warm, served alongside a bowl of steaming rice, or simply as a flavorful snack.
Cooking Tips
- For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating fresh kaffir lime leaves if available. Their aromatic qualities enhance the dish beautifully.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; feel free to add more chilies for extra heat or reduce them for a milder flavor.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Conclusion
Kering Tempe Kacang is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Indonesian flavors that embodies the essence of comfort food. Its rich, sweet, and savory taste will leave you wanting more, and it’s a perfect representation of the diverse culinary heritage of Indonesia. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, side, or snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy eating!
