Savory Chayote and Tempeh Coconut Stew: A Delightful Indonesian Comfort Dish
Sayur Labu Tempe: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Discover the comforting flavors of Sayur Labu Tempe, a traditional Indonesian dish that combines the gentle sweetness of chayote with the hearty texture of tempeh, all enveloped in a fragrant coconut milk broth. This dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a delightful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chayote (labu siam) | 1 piece |
| Tempeh (tempe) | ½ block |
| Coconut milk (Kara brand) | 1 small packet |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 piece |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (serai) | 1 stalk |
| Scallions (daun bawang) | 1 stalk |
| Salt, pepper, sugar, and seasoning | A pinch each |
| Water | As needed |
| Spice Paste Ingredients | |
| Red chilies | 7 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 nuts |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by blending the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. This will serve as the aromatic base for your dish.
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Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the blended spice paste until fragrant. Add the kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the mixture.
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Simmer the Tempeh: Once the spices are fragrant, add the tempeh, cut into small cubes. Stir well and allow it to cook for a few minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.
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Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the tempeh and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Incorporate the Chayote: Add the chayote, sliced into small pieces, into the pot. Cook until the chayote is slightly tender but still retains some crunch.
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Stir in Coconut Milk: Gradually pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and any additional seasoning to taste.
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Finish with Scallions: Just before serving, add the chopped scallions for a fresh touch. Allow the dish to come back to a gentle boil, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
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Serve: Once the flavors are balanced and the dish is aromatic, transfer the Sayur Labu Tempe to a serving bowl. Garnish with crispy fried shallots for an added crunch and serve hot alongside steamed rice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This Sayur Labu Tempe recipe encapsulates the essence of Indonesian comfort food, offering a nutritious and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it with family and friends, making mealtime a joyful occasion!



