Asam Jawa Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet or wok

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together tamarind paste, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Add halved cherry tomatoes and tamarind-soy sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color bell peppers or other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.

Variations:
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Use rice noodles instead of spaghetti for a gluten-free option.
- Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent spaghetti from sticking together, add a tablespoon of oil to the boiling water.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust the amount of tamarind paste and brown sugar to your taste preference.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large platter or individual bowls.

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts or cashews, sliced green onions.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Suggested side dishes:
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or mixed vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too sour, add more brown sugar. If it's too sweet, add more tamarind paste.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook spaghetti and vegetables thoroughly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
Asam Jawa, also known as tamarind, is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes.

Flavor profiles:
Tangy, sweet, savory.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish.

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Taste: Tangy, Spicy, Sweet, Sour, Umami