Gado-gado - mixed salad

gado-gado_-_mixed_salad

Indonesian cuisine is famous for its diverse range of flavors and textures that create a unique gastronomic experience. One such dish is Gado-gado - a traditional Indonesian mixed salad, made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, boiled eggs, and a delicious peanut sauce.

Gado-gado is a beloved dish in Indonesia and is commonly served as a refreshing snack or a light meal. The term “gado-gado” in the Indonesian language means “mix-mix,” which refers to the salad’s medley of ingredients that come together in one delectable dish.

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the island of Java, where it was first created as a healthy vegetarian meal. However, as the dish traveled throughout Indonesia, it has evolved to accommodate various regional tastes and ingredients.

The star of the Gado-gado dish is undoubtedly the peanut sauce - a creamy blend of roasted peanuts, palm sugar, tamarind, soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers. The sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the array of crisp, fresh vegetables that are commonly included in the salad.

Some of the most common vegetables used in Gado-gado include green beans, bean sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, potatoes, and carrots. Other ingredients that can be added to the salad include boiled eggs, tofu, tempeh (fermented soybeans), and rice cakes.

To make the dish, the vegetables are blanched or lightly sautéed and then arranged in a bowl. The peanut sauce is poured over the top of the vegetables, and the dish is garnished with crispy fried shallots and emping (crackers made from melinjo nuts).

Gado-gado is not only delicious, but it is also a healthy and nutritious dish. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the peanuts and tofu. The dish is also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with specific dietary requirements.

In Indonesia, Gado-gado is commonly sold by street vendors and is a popular dish to bring to potluck gatherings and picnics. It is known for its versatility as it can be served as a side dish or a complete meal on its own.

Overall, Gado-gado is a testament to the rich and varied cuisine of Indonesia. It is a dish that brings together a range of textures, flavors, and ingredients to create a harmonious and delicious dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

-1 block of tofu, cut into small cubes -2 potatoes, diced -1 cucumber, diced -1 carrot, shredded -1 green bean, trimmed and sliced -1 cup of bean sprouts -1 cup of bok choy, trimmed and chopped -2 boiled eggs, sliced -3 tablespoon of peanut butter -2 tablespoon of kecap manis -1 tablespoon of tamarind paste -1 tablespoon of water -1 tablespoon of vegetable oil -1 clove of garlic, minced -1/2 teaspoon of salt -Fried shallots (optional) -Shrimp crackers (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes and green beans until they are tender. Cut them into bite-size and set aside.

  2. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sautee until fragrant.

  3. Add peanut butter, kecap manis, tamarind paste, water, and salt. Mix the ingredients well and stir occasionally until the mixture thickens to the desired consistency.

  4. In a big bowl, mix the tofu, cucumber, carrot, bok choy, bean sprouts, potatoes, and green beans together.

  5. Add the sauce to the vegetables and mix well.

  6. Serve the mixed salad with sliced boiled eggs, fried shallots, and shrimp crackers on top.

  7. Enjoy your Indonesian Gado-gado - mixed salad!