Spicy Tempe, Potato, and Anchovy Sambal (Sambel Tempe Kentang Teri Medan)
Sambel Tempe Kentang Teri Medan: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Sambel Tempe Kentang Teri Medan is a rich and flavorful dish from Medan, Indonesia, combining fried tempe, crispy potatoes, and anchovies in a delicious sambal sauce. The unique medley of spices, chilies, and a touch of sweetness from sugar create a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a main accompaniment to your rice meal, this dish packs a punch of savory, spicy, and umami notes that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | 
|---|---|
| Tempe (small size, thinly sliced) | 1 small board (papan) | 
| Potatoes (cut into small cubes) | 2 medium-sized potatoes | 
| Medan anchovies (soaked briefly in water) | 1 handful (teri Medan) | 
| Green chilies (sliced diagonally) | 10 pieces | 
| Ginger (peeled and crushed) | 1 piece (ruas) | 
| Sugar (for sweetness) | 1 tablespoon (gula pasir) | 
| Salt (adjust to taste) | 1 teaspoon (garam) | 
| Cooking oil (for frying) | As needed | 
| Ground spices: | |
| Garlic (peeled) | 2 cloves | 
| Shallots (peeled) | 3 cloves | 
| Red chilies (deseeded) | 5 pieces | 
| Tomato (medium-sized, chopped) | 1/4 piece | 
Instructions:
- 
Frying the Ingredients: - Start by frying the tempe slices until they are golden and crispy. Remove them and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- In the same oil, fry the diced potatoes until golden and crispy. Drain and set aside.
- Lastly, fry the Medan anchovies separately, ensuring they are crisp and dry. Set them aside as well.
 
- 
Preparing the Sambal Sauce: - In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground spices (garlic, shallots, red chilies, and tomato) along with the crushed ginger. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the oil begins to separate.
- Add the sliced green chilies, sugar, and salt. Continue to sauté until the sambal mixture is well-cooked and oily.
 
- 
Bringing It All Together: - To the sambal, add the fried tempe, potatoes, and anchovies. Stir to combine thoroughly, ensuring the sambal coats each ingredient well.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if needed. Since the anchovies are quite salty, you may not need too much additional salt.
- Add a small splash of water if the sambal seems too dry and allow it to simmer until the flavors meld and the sambal is absorbed into the fried ingredients.
- Continue cooking until the mixture is well-cooked and dry.
 
- 
Serving: - Once everything is perfectly mixed and cooked, remove from heat.
- Serve your Sambel Tempe Kentang Teri Medan as a delicious side dish or a main course with steamed rice.
 
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount | 
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350-400 kcal | 
| Carbohydrates | 45 g | 
| Protein | 25 g | 
| Fat | 15 g | 
| Fiber | 6 g | 
| Sodium | 450 mg | 
This dish, Sambel Tempe Kentang Teri Medan, brings the hearty, earthy flavors of tempe together with crispy potatoes and savory anchovies in a sambal that is both spicy and slightly sweet. It pairs beautifully with a plate of warm, fluffy rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Indonesian-inspired meal.
Enjoy!



