Stir-Fried Papaya Flowers with Tempeh and Anchovies
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Papaya flowers | 1 bunch, cleaned |
| Tempeh | 1 block, cubed |
| Anchovies | 100g |
| Shallots | 5 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Red chili peppers | 2, sliced |
| Green chili peppers | 2, sliced |
| Birdβs eye chilies | 3-4 (optional) |
| Galangal (laos) | 1 small piece, smashed |
| Bay leaves | 2 (optional) |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2-3, torn |
| Red tomato | 1, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Tamarind or guava leaves (optional) | To reduce bitterness during boiling |
Steps:
-
Prepare the Papaya Flowers:
First, thoroughly clean the papaya flowers under running water. To keep the flowers green and prevent bitterness, boil them in water thatβs already boiling. For those sensitive to the bitterness, you can add tamarind or a few guava or jackfruit leaves to the boiling water. Once the flowers are cooked, drain and set them aside. -
Fry the Tempeh and Anchovies:
Heat some oil in a pan and fry the cubed tempeh until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Then, fry the anchovies until crispy and set aside as well. -
Slice the Aromatics:
Thinly slice the shallots, garlic, red and green chilies, and birdβs eye chilies. If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can use only one type of chili. Slice the tomato and prepare the galangal by slightly smashing it to release its aroma. -
Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Heat a little oil in the same pan and sautΓ© the shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced chilies and continue sautΓ©ing until the chilies soften. Add the galangal, chopped tomato, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves for extra aroma and flavor. Stir in salt, pepper, and any seasoning to taste. -
Cook the Papaya Flowers:
Add the boiled papaya flowers to the pan. Stir-fry until they are half-cooked and have absorbed the flavors of the spices. -
Combine Everything:
Finally, add the fried tempeh and anchovies to the pan. Stir-fry everything together until the papaya flowers are fully cooked, and all the flavors are well combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Stir-Fried Papaya Flowers with Tempeh and Anchovies is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a delicious and fragrant meal. Enjoy!
Tips:
- If you donβt like the slight bitterness of the papaya flowers, be sure to use tamarind or guava leaves while boiling them.
- You can adjust the spiciness level by reducing the number of chilies or using only mild varieties.
- Feel free to omit or adjust the aromatics like bay leaves or kaffir lime leaves according to your preference.
Enjoy this simple and flavorful stir-fry that brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to your plate!
