Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang)

Peanut Sauce (Sambal Kacang) Recipe from Brunei - Wholesome Ingredients

Region / culture: Brunei | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Peanut Sauce, also known as Sambal Kacang, is a popular Indonesian condiment that is often served with satay or grilled meats. This rich and flavorful sauce is made from a combination of deep-fried peanuts, garlic, chilies, kencur, kaffir lime leaves, sweet soy sauce, salt, water, and lime juice.

History

Peanut Sauce has been a staple in Indonesian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia, where it was traditionally made by grinding peanuts with a mortar and pestle and combining them with various spices and seasonings. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

3 cups of deep-fried peanuts
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and bruised
12 bird's eye chilies, sliced
3 inches of kencur (like galangal), peeled and chopped
3 kaffir lime leaves
˝ cup of sweet soy sauce
2 tsp of salt
6 cups of water
1 tbsp of lime juice

How to prepare

Grind or blend the first four ingredients until they reach a coarse or fine consistency, depending on your preference.
Place all ingredients, except for the lime juice, into a pan.
Simmer over very low heat for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Just before using, stir in the lime juice.

Variations

Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Use different types of chilies for varying levels of heat.
Include tamarind paste for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use deep-fried peanuts for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Sauce is traditionally served with satay, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, or tofu. It can also be drizzled over rice or noodles for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grind or blend the ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.

- Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanuts.

- Substitute ginger for kencur if unavailable.

- Use regular soy sauce instead of sweet soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peanut Sauce in a small bowl or dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a lime wedge for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Peanut Sauce pairs well with dishes such as satay, grilled chicken, tofu, or vegetables. It also complements rice, noodles, or salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Peanut Sauce contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Peanut Sauce primarily come from the sweet soy sauce and peanuts. One serving of Peanut Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Peanut Sauce is a rich source of fats, thanks to the deep-fried peanuts. One serving of Peanut Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

The protein content in Peanut Sauce comes from the peanuts. One serving of Peanut Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut Sauce is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium, thanks to the peanuts. It also contains small amounts of iron and potassium.

Alergens

Peanut Sauce contains peanuts and soy sauce, which are common allergens. It may also contain gluten if the soy sauce used is not gluten-free.

Summary

Peanut Sauce is a flavorful condiment that is rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium, but may contain allergens such as peanuts and soy sauce.

Summary

Peanut Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a rich and nutty flavor to a variety of dishes. With a combination of deep-fried peanuts, garlic, chilies, kencur, and other seasonings, this sauce is a must-try for any lover of Indonesian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Peanut Sauce, or Sambal Kacang as it is called in Indonesia. It was during my travels to Bali many years ago, where I had the pleasure of staying with a local family who graciously welcomed me into their home and shared their culinary secrets with me.

The matriarch of the family, Ibu Made, was a skilled cook who took great pride in her traditional Balinese recipes. One evening, as we sat around the dinner table enjoying a delicious meal of Nasi Goreng and Sate Ayam, Ibu Made brought out a small bowl of thick, creamy peanut sauce to accompany the dishes. The aroma of roasted peanuts, garlic, and spices wafted through the air, and I could not resist dipping my Sate Ayam into the sauce.

Ibu Made noticed my delight and smiled warmly, before revealing that the recipe for the Peanut Sauce had been passed down through generations in her family. She explained that the sauce was a staple in Balinese cuisine, used to enhance the flavors of various dishes and add a touch of richness and depth.

Intrigued by the complex flavors of the Peanut Sauce, I asked Ibu Made if she would be willing to teach me how to make it. She agreed, and the next morning we spent hours in her kitchen, grinding peanuts, crushing chilies, and blending spices to create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

As I watched Ibu Made work her magic, I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about understanding the ingredients and techniques that go into creating a dish. Ibu Made shared with me her knowledge of the importance of toasting the peanuts to bring out their nutty flavor, and of using fresh chilies for a fiery kick.

After several hours of cooking and tasting, the Peanut Sauce was finally ready. Ibu Made poured it into a jar and handed it to me with a smile, encouraging me to continue experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make it my own.

Since that day in Bali, I have continued to make Peanut Sauce using Ibu Made's recipe as a base, but adding my own twist with the addition of tamarind paste for a tangy flavor, and palm sugar for a hint of sweetness. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about the rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, and rice dishes.

Ibu Made's Peanut Sauce has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the time I spent in Bali learning about the intricacies of Balinese cuisine. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that can be passed down through generations.

As I write this, I can almost taste the Peanut Sauce on my tongue, the perfect balance of flavors dancing on my palate. I am grateful to Ibu Made for sharing her recipe with me, and for opening my eyes to the wonders of Indonesian cuisine. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I will continue to explore new recipes and flavors, always with the memory of that unforgettable day in Bali guiding me.