Tempe Pedas Manis, a beloved dish in Indonesian cuisine, beautifully balances the savory flavors of tempeh with a hint of sweetness and a kick of spice. This recipe is not only straightforward but also offers a delightful way to enjoy tempeh, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cooks and novices alike. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this dish can be easily adapted to include your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 papan (about 250g) |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 4 pieces |
| Red chilies | 2 pieces |
| Palm sugar | to taste |
| Sweet soy sauce | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Oil | for frying |
| Optional vegetables (e.g., broccoli and bean sprouts) | as desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by finely grinding the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and red chilies together to create a fragrant spice paste. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Set aside the bay leaves.
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Cut the Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, which will help it absorb the flavors of the dish while cooking.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground spice paste along with the bay leaves. Sauté until the mixture is aromatic and the oil begins to separate from the paste, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Water and Sweetness: Pour a small amount of water into the skillet to help dissolve the spices. Then, add palm sugar according to your taste preference, stirring until it melts into the sauce.
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Incorporate the Tempeh: Add the sliced tempeh to the skillet, followed by a bit more water to ensure the tempeh cooks thoroughly. Simmer gently, allowing the tempeh to absorb the flavors, for about 10 minutes.
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Season the Dish: Add sweet soy sauce and salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
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Optional Vegetables: If desired, introduce vegetables like broccoli and bean sprouts at this stage. They should be added when the tempeh is nearly cooked through, allowing them to steam lightly without becoming too soft.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined and the tempeh is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the dish to a serving platter, and enjoy your Tempe Pedas Manis while hot, either on its own or paired with steamed rice.
This Tempe Pedas Manis recipe not only brings the authentic taste of Indonesia to your table but also offers a wholesome meal that is both delicious and nutritious. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your palate. Happy cooking!