Easy Vegetarian Indonesian Sambal (Sambal Balado)
If you like bold, spicy flavors, you’re going to love this Indonesian Sambal - a spicy Indonesian chili sauce that is used as a cooking ingredient or condiment. Traditionally made with fish sauce, this vegetarian version delivers a great balance of flavor and heat, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal!
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 100 g large red chili peppers
- 1-2 small red chili thai or birds eye
- 1 large tomato
- 80 g shallots or red onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cm fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon of oil or water to help blend the ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking the paste
- 2 teaspoon granulated brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, add the chilis, tomato, shallot, garlic and ginger. You can add a teaspoon of oil or a little water to help it blend. Blend on high speed until you have a smooth paste.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan on medium heat and add the paste. Stir fry for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sugar, salt and kaffir leaves. Stir and let cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes until the paste starts becoming dry.
- Remove from heat and add the lime juice. Serve as a condiment or use in your desired dish!