Tempe Penyet: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Tempe penyet, a beloved dish from Indonesia, is not only rich in flavor but also a wonderful representation of the country’s vibrant culinary heritage. This dish features tempe, a fermented soybean cake, that is marinated and then smashed to absorb a medley of spices, creating a dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. Here’s how to prepare this delightful recipe, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybean cake) | 1 small box, cut into pieces |
| Tempe seasoning mix (bumbu racik) | 1 packet |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Small tomato | 1, diced |
| Red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10, sliced |
| Curly red chilies | 10, sliced |
| Fried or grilled shrimp paste (terasi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Cooking oil | for frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Instructions
-
Marinate the Tempe: Start by soaking the cut pieces of tempe in the tempe seasoning mix that has been diluted with a bit of water. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes. This step enhances the tempe’s flavor and prepares it for frying.
-
-
Fry the Tempe: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated tempe and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
-
Prepare the Spicy Mixture: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the garlic, shallots, chilies, and diced tomato until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat.
-
Blend the Ingredients: In a mortar and pestle (or a food processor), pound the fried shrimp paste (terasi) along with a pinch of salt and sugar. Add the sautéed mixture and combine well.
-
Combine and Smash: Place the fried tempe into the mortar with the blended spices. Gently smash the tempe with the pestle to combine everything. This “penyet” process allows the tempe to absorb all the delicious flavors from the spice mixture.
-
Serve: Serve the tempe penyet warm alongside steaming hot rice. The contrast of the spicy, savory tempe with the plain rice makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your homemade tempe penyet, a dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine with every flavorful bite! This recipe not only showcases the versatility of tempe but also the bold spices that make Indonesian dishes so unique. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, tempe penyet is sure to impress and delight.
