Tempe Balado Jahe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Embark on a culinary journey with Tempe Balado Jahe, a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the rich, nutty flavor of tempeh with a spicy and aromatic sauce infused with ginger. This recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a fantastic way to enjoy tempeh’s nutritional benefits. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 small block |
| Cooking oil | As needed for frying |
| Red Tanjung chili peppers | 5 pieces |
| Curly chili peppers | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 2 cm |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Candlenuts | 3 pieces |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Seasoning (to taste) | To preference |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 250 ml |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempeh: Begin by cutting the tempeh into small cubes. This will help the tempeh absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively.
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Fry the Tempeh: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tempeh cubes until they are golden brown and half-cooked. This process enhances the texture and flavor of the tempeh.
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Create the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, blend together the shallots, garlic, curly chili peppers, and red Tanjung chili peppers until you have a smooth paste. The combination of these ingredients will create a fragrant base for your dish.
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Prepare the Ginger: Crush the ginger using the back of your knife or a mortar to release its aromatic oils.
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Sauté the Spice Mixture: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the blended spice paste along with the crushed ginger. Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oils start to separate from the paste.
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Add Water: Pour in the 250 ml of water and bring the mixture to a boil. This step will create a delicious sauce for the tempeh to soak in.
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Incorporate the Bay Leaves: Once boiling, add the bay leaves for added aroma and flavor.
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Season the Sauce: Stir in the sugar, salt, and your choice of seasoning. Adjust the flavors to your liking, balancing the sweetness and spiciness.
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Combine with Tempeh: Gently add the fried tempeh to the pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Stir until the tempeh is fully submerged in the spicy mixture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the tempeh is well coated and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Serve warm, allowing the delicious flavors of Tempe Balado Jahe to shine.
This recipe not only showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also highlights tempeh as a versatile and nutritious ingredient. Enjoy it as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice, or as part of a larger spread. Happy cooking!
