Embark on a culinary adventure with this vibrant Balado Terong Tempe Bakso, a delightful Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of eggplant (terong), the hearty texture of tempeh, and the savory bite of meatballs (bakso). This recipe brings together aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, creating a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a family meal or to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplant (terong) | 2 pieces, sliced as desired |
| Meatballs (bakso) | 10 pieces |
| Tempeh (tempe) | 1/8 block |
| Lemongrass (serai) | 2 stalks, crushed |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Ground Spice Paste | |
| Red shallots | 10 cloves |
| Garlic (small) | 3 cloves (or 2 if large) |
| Red chili peppers | 6 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabai rawit) | 6 pieces |
| Large tomato | 1 piece |
| Shrimp paste (terasi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Seasoning (penyedap) | To taste |
Instructions
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Fry the Ingredients: In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced tempeh, eggplant, and meatballs, frying them until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or blender, combine the red shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, bird’s eye chili, and large tomato. You can choose to coarsely grind these ingredients for a more textured paste, as this adds character to the dish.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Heat over low flame and add the ground spice paste along with the crushed lemongrass. Sauté the mixture until the spices are fully cooked, change color, and release a fragrant aroma.
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Combine and Cook: Once the spice paste is ready, add the fried eggplant, tempeh, and meatballs back into the pan. Mix everything together until well coated with the spices. Adjust the taste by adding sugar, salt, and seasoning to your preference.
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Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve hot, either as a main dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
This Balado Terong Tempe Bakso is not only a delightful dish but also a celebration of Indonesian cuisine’s vibrant flavors and textures. Each bite brings the warmth of spices and the satisfying crunch of vegetables, creating a dish that is both comforting and invigorating. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!