Spicy Indonesian Sambal Ijo with Tempeh, Eggplant, and Eggs π
Sambal Ijo 3T: Terung, Telur, Tempe π
Sambal Ijo, a vibrant and spicy green sambal from Indonesia, showcases the delightful combination of tempeh, eggplant, and hard-boiled eggs, all enveloped in a rich and aromatic blend of spices. This sambal not only elevates your meal but also brings a burst of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe that guides you through the process of creating this delicious dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | 
|---|---|
| Tempeh (medium size, diced and fried) | 2 boards | 
| Eggplant (sliced and fried) | 1 purple eggplant | 
| Hard-boiled eggs | 2 | 
| Coarse ground spices: | |
| Green curly chili peppers | 35 pieces | 
| Green tomatoes | 3 pieces | 
| Green bird’s eye chili peppers | 5 pieces | 
| Red curly chili peppers | 5 pieces | 
| Shallots | 6 pieces | 
| Garlic | 4 cloves | 
| Additional ingredients: | |
| White part of lemongrass (smashed) | 1 stalk | 
| Kaffir lime leaves (torn) | 5 leaves | 
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves | 
| Seasoning ingredients: | |
| Watered tamarind (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 
| Oyster sauce | 1 tablespoon | 
| Fish sauce (optional) | Β½ tablespoon | 
| Salt | Β½ teaspoon | 
| Granulated sugar | 3 tablespoons | 
Instructions
- 
Prepare the Spice Base: 
 Begin by grinding the coarse spices (green chilies, green tomatoes, green bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, shallots, and garlic) together in a mortar and pestle until you achieve a rough, textured paste. Manual grinding enhances the flavors, making your sambal truly exceptional.Related Articles
- 
SautΓ© the Spices: 
 In a pan over medium heat, sautΓ© the ground spice mixture until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it brings out the depth of the flavors.
- 
Add Aromatics: 
 Introduce the smashed lemongrass, bay leaves, and torn kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Allow them to cook together until aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 
Incorporate Seasonings: 
 Add the optional watered tamarind, oyster sauce, and fish sauce (if using) to the sautΓ©ed spices. Stir well and taste the mixture, adjusting the salt and sugar to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
- 
Combine with Fried Ingredients: 
 Once the seasoning is to your liking, add the fried tempeh, fried eggplant, and sliced hard-boiled eggs to the pan. Turn off the heat to avoid burning the ingredients while mixing.
- 
Mix Thoroughly: 
 Gently toss all the components together, ensuring that the tempeh, eggplant, and eggs are well-coated with the sambal. This allows the ingredients to absorb the spices evenly.
- 
Finish Cooking: 
 Turn the heat back on low, allowing the sambal to warm slightly while you stir gently. Let it sit for a few moments so the flavors meld beautifully.
- 
Serve and Enjoy: 
 Remove the sambal from heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Sambal Ijo is best enjoyed warm, alongside rice or your favorite Indonesian dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | 
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | 
| Protein | 10 g | 
| Fat | 7 g | 
| Carbohydrates | 15 g | 
| Fiber | 3 g | 
| Sugar | 3 g | 
| Sodium | 300 mg | 
Sambal Ijo 3T is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine, blending the heartiness of tempeh, the richness of eggplant, and the comfort of eggs with a spicy kick. Serve it as a side dish or as a main feature alongside steamed rice, and enjoy the explosion of flavors it brings to your table!

