Sambal Pecel
Spicy Indonesian Chili Sauce
Spice and nuts – yum
Is there that one pantry item you can’t be without? Do you use this pantry item in multiple dishes and are certain that your food won’t taste the same without it? Sambal Pecel is that for me, incorporating a unique combination of the flavors that are home.
[Photo array to be uploaded]
Sambal in Indonesian is chili sauce. Sambal Pecel is one variation of a peanut chili sauce. This particular sauce is unique to Java and the Javanese cuisine. While this type of chili sauce is of Javanese origin, it is also easily adaptable to be incorporated with other Indonesian cuisine. Easily adaptable to be used on various meat dishes, veggie dishes and just being used a nice dipping sauce.
This sauce is something I hope will become a staple in your household. If not a staple, a nice switch up to your regular family loved meals. Sambal Pecel is quite easy to make and stores very well. You can use the written recipe below as is, or you can use it in combination with the instruction video. Give this a try and let me know how it turns out by tagging me in a photo.
[Photo array to be uploaded]
Selamat makan – happy eating!
[Video instruction link uploaded here]
Sambal Pecel
Ingredients
1 lb. raw peanuts
5-7 cloves of garlic
2 oz. red cabe rawit
2 oz. red hot pepper
1 Tbsp tamarind paste
5-7 kaffir lime leaves
1 inch galangal
9 oz. palm sugar or brown sugar or cane sugar
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Fry the garlic, galangal and peppers in hot oil until it is cooked. Fry the peanuts, in the same oil, until dark golden brown and let it thoroughly drip.
In a food processor add garlic, peppers, tamarind paste, kaffir lime leaves (remember to remove the spins of each leaf), galangal, sugar and salt. Pulse until well combined. To the seasoning mixture begin adding the peanuts. You are looking for a nice crumbly consistency, yet able to form the crumbs into a ball/square that will retain its shape.
You can then individually wrap these balls and keep them in the fridge until you want to use it.
To make the Sambal Pecel into a sauce add water and stir until you have reached your desired consistency.