Tempe Bacem: A Delicious Indonesian Dish
Introduction
Tempe bacem is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring tempeh, a traditional soy product that is rich in protein and flavor. This recipe showcases the wonderful combination of spices and ingredients that create a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile, perfect for serving as a side dish or a main vegetarian option. With its aromatic spices and simple preparation, tempe bacem is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary experience!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 block |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Palm sugar | 1 piece |
| Tamarind | To taste |
| Salam leaves | 2 leaves |
| Galangal | 1 piece |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by finely grinding the garlic, shallots, coriander, and palm sugar together until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant spice blend will form the foundation of your dish.
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Cook the Spice Mixture: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the ground spice paste until it becomes aromatic. This step is essential to release the flavors of the spices. Once fragrant, add enough water to create a sauce-like consistency.
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Add Aromatics: Introduce the salam leaves, galangal, and tamarind to the pan, stirring to combine. These ingredients will infuse the sauce with an aromatic depth that complements the tempeh beautifully.
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Incorporate the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into your desired shape and size, then add it to the pan. Mix in sugar and salt according to your taste preference. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
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Simmer and Absorb Flavors: Let the tempeh simmer in the flavorful sauce until it is cooked through and the liquid has reduced significantly. This allows the tempeh to absorb the spices, making it rich and delicious.
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Final Touches: Once the tempeh is tender and has absorbed the flavors, it is ready to serve. You can either enjoy it immediately by frying it for a crispy texture or let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Serving Suggestions
Tempe bacem can be served as part of a traditional Indonesian meal alongside steamed rice and vegetables or as a filling for wraps. It also pairs wonderfully with sambal for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
Conclusion
Tempe bacem is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy option packed with nutrients. Its simple preparation and delightful flavors make it an excellent choice for any meal. Enjoy this authentic Indonesian delicacy and share it with your loved ones!
Feel free to tweak the recipe further to suit your preferences or to incorporate any additional notes about personal experiences or variations that you love!
