Kentang Tempe Sambalado (Potato and Tempeh in Spicy Sambal) – Perfect for Budget-Friendly Meals!
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy on the budget, this Kentang Tempe Sambalado is an ideal choice, especially for students or anyone living on a tight budget. This Indonesian-inspired recipe is packed with flavor, featuring a delightful mix of crispy potatoes, tempeh, and a bold sambal sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 4 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 1 clove |
| Bird’s eye chilies (Cabe rawit) | 8 pieces |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken bouillon (Rayco – optional) | To taste |
| Potato | 1 medium-sized |
| Tempeh | 1 block |
| Water | A splash |
| Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Peel the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies. The mix of shallots and garlic will provide a savory depth to the sambal, while the chilies will add a spicy kick. -
Make the Sambal Paste
Using a mortar and pestle, grind the peeled shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies until you achieve a smooth paste. You can adjust the number of chilies depending on your heat tolerance. If you prefer milder spice, feel free to reduce the number of chilies. -
Prepare the Potato and Tempeh
Peel the potato and cut it into small cubes. Next, slice the block of tempeh into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a balanced texture throughout the dish. -
Fry the Tempeh
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tempeh cubes and fry them until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside. This will give the tempeh a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potato later on. Remove the tempeh and set it aside. -
Cook the Sambal
In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the sambal paste (the ground shallots, garlic, and chilies) into the pan and stir-fry until fragrant. The aroma of this mixture should fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent. Then, add a pinch of sugar, salt, and Rayco (if using) to taste. Add a splash of water to prevent the sambal from becoming too dry and to help blend the flavors. -
Cook the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the sambal mixture. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the sambal. Let the potatoes cook in the sambal until they are tender and almost dry. You may need to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. -
Combine and Serve
Once the potatoes are cooked and the sambal has thickened, return the fried tempeh to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute or two so the tempeh absorbs some of the flavors from the sambal. Once combined and heated through, your Kentang Tempe Sambalado is ready to serve. -
Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve this dish as a main meal or a side dish with steamed rice for a complete, hearty meal. The combination of crispy tempeh and soft potatoes smothered in spicy sambal is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy your meal, and let the flavors take you on a journey to the streets of Indonesia!
This dish is a perfect solution for students or anyone looking for a low-cost, simple meal that’s still packed with bold flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch. The sambal sauce can be adjusted to match your heat tolerance, making it adaptable for different palates.
