Tempe Bacem with Yellow Spice Blend
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tempe block | 1 large |
| Bay leaves | 2 pieces |
| Water | As needed |
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
| Spice Paste Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 6 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Fresh turmeric (peeled) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Fresh ginger (peeled) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Galangal (peeled) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempeh:
- Cut the tempeh into pieces according to your preference, whether into small rectangles or thicker slices for a hearty texture.
-
Make the Spice Paste:
- In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind together the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, galangal, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg until smooth. This fragrant blend will be the foundation of the dish.
-
-
Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and releases its aroma, about 3–5 minutes.
-
Simmer the Tempeh:
- Add water to the pan, just enough to submerge the tempeh. Toss in the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the tempeh pieces and let them cook gently, allowing the tempeh to absorb the rich, aromatic spices.
-
Reduce the Liquid:
- Continue simmering the tempeh uncovered until most of the water has evaporated, and the flavors have concentrated into the tempeh. This process will take around 20-30 minutes.
-
Final Step:
- Once the liquid has reduced and the tempeh is infused with the yellow spice blend, you can either serve it as is, or for an extra layer of flavor, you can fry the tempeh until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Enjoy your Tempe Bacem with Yellow Spice Blend as a delightful snack or side dish! This dish is perfect served with rice or enjoyed as a plant-based protein option. 😍
This simple yet flavorful Indonesian-inspired recipe brings the earthy taste of tempeh together with a rich medley of spices, giving you a wholesome, delicious dish packed with protein and bursting with aromatic notes from the traditional spice paste.
