Sambal Kentang Tahu: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Sambal Kentang Tahu, a vibrant and flavorful dish hailing from Indonesia, showcases the delightful combination of potatoes and tofu, enhanced by a rich, spicy sambal. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its colorful ingredients. Perfect for serving alongside rice or as a flavorful side dish, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed recipe to create your own Sambal Kentang Tahu, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium potatoes (peeled, cubed) | 3 pieces |
| Firm tofu (cubed) | 2 pieces |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Mushroom broth powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | As needed |
For the Spice Paste
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curly red chilies | 15 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 10 pieces |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shrimp paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Similarly, cut the tofu into cubes.
Step 2: Fry the Potatoes and Tofu
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato cubes and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes and drain them on paper towels. Next, add the tofu cubes to the hot oil and fry them until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once fried, remove the tofu and set it aside with the potatoes.
Step 3: Make the Spice Paste
In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and tomato until a smooth paste forms. If needed, add a little water to help with the blending process.
Step 4: Sauté the Spice Paste
In the same frying pan, remove excess oil, leaving just enough to sauté the spice paste. Add the blended spice paste to the pan over medium heat and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once the spice paste is fragrant, add enough water to create a sauce consistency. Stir in the sugar and mushroom broth powder, mixing well to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add Fried Potatoes and Tofu
Gently add the fried potatoes and tofu into the pan, carefully mixing them into the sambal sauce. Stir the mixture to ensure the potatoes and tofu are well-coated with the spice paste. Taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve
After a quick toss to combine everything, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the Sambal Kentang Tahu to a serving dish, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious dish warm, alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the shrimp paste is replaced with a plant-based alternative.
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the number of chilies used.
- Add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Conclusion
Sambal Kentang Tahu is a fantastic representation of Indonesian cuisine, showcasing the harmonious blend of spices and textures. With its crispy potatoes and tofu enveloped in a flavorful sambal sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful taste of Indonesia right in your own kitchen!
