Sambal belacan - shrimp paste dip
Indonesia is a country rich in culture and diversity; it is a land where the people are deeply connected to their traditions. One of the most important aspects of this culture is food. Indonesian cuisine is a feast for the senses, and it is renowned for its exotic spices, herbs, and sauces. One of the most popular and flavorful condiments in Indonesian cuisine is Sambal belacan - shrimp paste dip.
Sambal belacan hails form Malaysia and is widely popular in Indonesian cuisine. It is a condiment made from a combination of shrimp paste, chilies, and other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and tamarind. It is an intense, pungent, and spicy dip that pairs deliciously with almost every dish. It is ideal for enhancing the flavor of various dishes, such as rice, noodles, vegetables, seafood, and meat.
The key ingredient in the Sambal belacan dip is the shrimp paste or Belacan. This shrimp paste is made from fermented ground shrimp and salt and is an essential seasoning in many Southeast Asian dishes. Apart from Indonesia, shrimp paste is also ubiquitous in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
While the shrimp paste is available in many Asian grocery stores worldwide, the authentic Sambal belacan recipe calls for fresh, homemade shrimp paste. The process of making this shrimp paste is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the end result is worth the effort. It starts by cleaning the shrimp and draining the excess water. Then, the shrimp is ground using a mortar and a pestle to make a smooth paste. Next, the paste is placed in a container and left to ferment for a few days, during which it develops a unique, pungent aroma and flavor.
To make Sambal belacan, the shrimp paste is combined with a blend of fresh chili peppers, shallots, garlic, sugar, and lime juice. The recipe is not set in stone, and each household has its version, with its own twist. The preparation of Sambal belacan is relatively simple yet versatile. Some variations use other ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, turmeric, and lemongrass, resulting in a range of unique flavors and aromas.
Sambal belacan has a very strong aroma and flavor, and it is not for the faint of heart. It’s intense spice level, and pungent smell can be overwhelming for people not accustomed to strong flavors. However, once you develop a taste for it, you will be hooked for the rest of your life. It has a sharp, intense punch that infuses every dish it accompanies, lifting it to a whole new level of flavors.
In conclusion, Sambal belacan is the ultimate condiment that pairs with almost every meal. It is a must-have for every Indonesian kitchen and is slowly making its way into the Asian cuisine section of supermarkets worldwide. Though simple to make, the shrimp-paste dip’s unique flavors and aroma are quintessential to any Southeast Asian cuisine and are distinctly Indonesian. So, when you’re trying to decide how to spice up your next meal, why not give Sambal belacan a chance to tickle your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh red chili peppers
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 3 shallots, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (belacan)
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice or tamarind paste
Instructions:
- Remove the stems from the red chili peppers and slice them into small pieces.
- Using a mortar and pestle, pound the chili peppers, garlic, and shallots until they form a rough paste.
- Add the salt, sugar, and shrimp paste to the mortar and pound until the mixture is well-combined.
- Add the lime juice or tamarind paste to the mixture and stir well.
- Adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, sugar, or lime juice to taste.
- Serve the sambal belacan as a spicy dip for vegetables or grilled meats. Store any leftover sambal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.