Sambal Tempe Penyet
Introduction
Sambal Tempe Penyet is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the rich, nutty flavor of tempeh with a vibrant and spicy sambal, a condiment made from a mix of chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, Sambal Tempe Penyet brings the essence of Indonesian cuisine to your table, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to prepare this delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large red chilies (cabe merah besar) | 5, roughly chopped |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10, adjust to taste |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5, peeled and sliced |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves, peeled |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Salt (garam) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | ½ tablespoon |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | 1 tablespoon |
| Shrimp paste (terasi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tempeh (Tempe) | 2 packets |
| Lime (jeruk nipis) | 1, juiced |
| Cooking oil (for frying) | As needed |
Nutritional Information
The following table provides an overview of the estimated nutritional content per serving (based on four servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Total Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sugars | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Instructions
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Fry the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and chopped tomato. Sauté until the ingredients are slightly wilted, releasing their aromatic flavors. This step is essential as it deepens the flavor profile of your sambal.
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Prepare the Sambal: In a mortar and pestle (or a bowl, if you don’t have one), combine the sautéed mixture with salt, sugar, palm sugar, and shrimp paste. Using a pestle, grind the ingredients together until they form a smooth, cohesive paste. This sambal should have a lovely balance of heat, sweetness, and umami from the terasi.
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Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime into the sambal mixture, stirring well to incorporate the acidity, which will brighten the overall flavor.
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Fry the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into pieces or cubes, depending on your preference. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, and fry the tempeh until it turns golden brown and crispy. This process will enhance the nutty flavor of the tempeh, making it even more delicious.
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Assemble the Dish: Once the tempeh is cooked, place the hot tempeh on a serving platter and generously spoon the sambal over the top. The sambal should coat the tempeh, creating a vibrant presentation.
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Serve: Garnish with lime wedges if desired, and serve the Sambal Tempe Penyet hot, accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish with your favorite Indonesian meals.
Tips for Perfection
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies based on your heat tolerance. More chilies will increase the spice level, while fewer will make the dish milder.
- Tempeh Preparation: If you prefer a softer tempeh, you can steam it before frying, which will enhance its texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables, which help to balance the heat of the sambal.
Conclusion
Sambal Tempe Penyet is a comforting dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of Indonesia. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re new to cooking Indonesian cuisine or looking to add a new favorite to your repertoire, this sambal tempeh recipe will surely impress. Enjoy this delightful dish and the vibrant culinary journey it brings to your kitchen!
