Sayur Asem with Sambal Tempe: A Practical and Refreshing Dish
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Sayur Asem (sour vegetable soup) served with Sambal Tempe. This recipe highlights the freshness of vegetables and the hearty goodness of tempeh, making it a perfect, healthy choice for any meal. Simple yet satisfying, this dish is designed for those who appreciate the beauty of quick, wholesome cooking without the fuss.
Ingredients
To create this refreshing Sayur Asem with Sambal Tempe, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long beans (kacang panjang) | 2, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Young corn (jagung muda) | 3, sliced |
| Fresh tamarind or tamarind paste | 3 pieces (or to taste) |
| Melinjo leaves (daun melinjo) | To taste |
| Chayote (labu siam) | 1, cut into cubes |
| Cooked soybeans (kedelai matang) | To taste |
| Tempeh | 1 block, cut into 4 large cubes |
| Bongkrek (optional) | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 10, whole |
| Red onions (bawang merah) | 2, whole |
| Large red chili (cabe merah besar) | 2, whole |
| Sliced Ingredients: | |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 4 cloves, sliced |
| Red onions (bawang merah) | 6, sliced |
| Large red chili (cabe merah besar) | 1, sliced |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 piece, smashed |
| Salt and seasoning (penyedap) | To taste |
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious Sayur Asem with Sambal Tempe:
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Prepare Boiling Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
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Add Base Flavors: Once boiling, add the tamarind, bay leaves, and galangal. Allow these to infuse their flavors into the water.
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Incorporate Sliced Ingredients: Next, add the sliced garlic, red onions, and large red chili into the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Add Tempeh and Whole Chilies: Carefully add the tempeh (and bongkrek, if using) along with the whole bird’s eye chilies and the whole red onions. This will add depth and spice to the broth.
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Final Touch with Vegetables: After a few minutes, add the long beans, young corn, melinjo leaves, chayote, and cooked soybeans. Season with salt and other flavor enhancers to taste.
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Taste and Adjust: Allow the soup to simmer until the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring a balance of sourness and saltiness.
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Drain Tempeh and Chilies: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the tempeh and whole chilies from the soup, draining excess liquid.
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Prepare Sambal: Using the drained tempeh, create a sambal trasi by smashing the tempeh together with some spices, or serve it as is.
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Serve and Enjoy: Present your Sayur Asem in bowls, topped with the sambal tempe. Enjoy this dish warm, relishing the fresh, vibrant flavors that make it a healthy, hassle-free option for any meal.
Nutritional Information
This Sayur Asem with Sambal Tempe is not only delicious but also a healthful choice. While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portions, here’s a general breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This Sayur Asem sambal tempe recipe is a refreshing and practical choice for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With minimal cooking time and a variety of nutritious ingredients, it makes for a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade meal!
