Spice Up Your Kitchen: Authentic Indonesian Sambal Oelek Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Sauce
Cuisine
Southeast Asia
Author:
Ryan Nelson
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Embark on a culinary adventure with our "Spice Up Your Kitchen: Authentic Indonesian Sambal Oelek Recipe." This traditional Indonesian condiment is famed for its fiery heat and bold flavours, crafted from a simple yet potent blend of fresh red chillies, garlic, and salt. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver a sharp, spicy punch that is quintessentially Indonesian.
The addition of a tangy twist from vinegar or lime juice balances the heat, while a hint of sugar mellows the intensity, creating a well-rounded, versatile chilli paste. Whether you're looking to add a kick to your noodles, enliven your soups, or spice up your grilled meats, this Sambal Oelek recipe is a must-try. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the natural spiciness of chillies to shine through. Perfect for those who relish a bit of heat in their meals, this sauce promises to be a staple in your spice repertoire, bringing the authentic taste of Indonesia right to your table.
Ingredients
- 200 grams of fresh red chillies, stems removed
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- Water, as needed
Directions
Prepare the Chillies:
Rinse the red chillies and pat them dry. Remove the stems and chop them coarsely. For a less spicy sambal, you can remove some of the seeds.
Blending Ingredients:
Place the chillies, garlic, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend them into a coarse paste. You can add a small amount of water to help the blending process, but try to keep it minimal.
Cook the Sambal:
Transfer the chilli paste to a frying pan. Cook it over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the flavour and reduces the raw edge of the chillies and garlic.
Add Vinegar and Sugar:
Stir in the vinegar (or lime juice) and sugar, if using. The vinegar helps preserve the sambal and adds a tangy taste, while the sugar can balance the heat.
Adjust Consistency and Taste:
If the sambal is too thick, you can add a little bit more water or vinegar. Taste and adjust the salt and acidity as needed.
Cool and Store:
Allow the sambal to cool down before transferring it to a jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe Note
Serving Suggestions:
Sambal Oelek is a versatile condiment and can be used in various ways. Add it to noodles, soups, stews, or use it as a dipping sauce for snacks and appetisers.
Note:
Sambal Oelek is traditionally quite spicy. Adjust the number of chillies based on your heat preference.Always handle chillies with care, and consider wearing gloves to avoid irritation.
Enjoy your homemade Indonesian Sambal Oelek, a simple yet fiery addition to your culinary creations!
Recipe Nutrition
Assuming the recipe yields about 4 servings, here's a rough nutritional estimate per serving:
Calories: Approximately 20-30 kcal per serving - Most calories come from the red chillies.
Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams - Primarily from the chillies and a small amount from garlic. If sugar is added, this will increase slightly.
Fibre: 1-2 grams - Provided by the chillies.
Protein: Less than 1 gram - Chillies and garlic contain minimal protein.
Fat: Negligible - Sambal Oelek is typically fat-free unless oil is added.
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: Red chillies are a good source.
- Vitamin A: Present in red chillies.
- Potassium: Mostly from chillies.
Sodium: Can vary based on the amount of salt added. It's advisable to adjust to taste, especially if monitoring sodium intake.
Sugar: Natural sugars from the chillies, and additional if sugar is used.
This Sambal Oelek is a low-calorie, low-fat option that is rich in Vitamin C and A. It's also a good source of dietary fibre. However, due to its spicy nature, it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary restrictions. As always, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.
