Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of tamarind juice
- 1 cup of chopped snake beans
- 1 cup of chopped cabbage
- 1 cup of chopped chayote
- 1 cup of chopped corn
- 1 cup of sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup of sliced shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring water and tamarind juice to a boil.
2. Add chopped snake beans, cabbage, chayote, and corn to the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, fry the tofu cubes until golden brown and set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté sliced shallots, minced garlic, and sliced red chilies until fragrant.
5. Add the sautéed mixture to the pot of vegetables and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Add salt, sugar, and shrimp paste to the pot and stir well.
7. Add the fried tofu cubes and sliced tomatoes to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat per serving: 5g
Carbohydrates per serving: 20g
Protein per serving: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with tempeh or chicken.
- Snake beans can be substituted with green beans.
- Chayote can be substituted with zucchini or pumpkin.
Variations:
- Add shrimp or fish to the dish for a seafood version.
- Use different vegetables such as eggplant or okra.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Use fresh tamarind for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking.
- Use a non-stick pan for frying the tofu cubes.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl with steamed rice on the side.
Garnishes:
Garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish is too sour, add more sugar.
- If the dish is too salty, add more water.
- If the dish is too thick, add more water.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the vegetables and tofu thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Sayur Asem is a traditional Indonesian dish that originated from West Java.
Flavor profiles:
The dish has a sour and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
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Region: Indonesian