Sambal Dabo Lilang

Sambal Dabo Lilang Recipe - A Spicy Brunei Delight

Region / culture: Brunei | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sambal Dabo Lilang is a traditional Indonesian condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. This spicy and tangy sambal is made with fresh ingredients like onions, tomatoes, basil, lime, and chilies, creating a delicious and aromatic sauce that can be used as a topping or dipping sauce.

History

Sambal Dabo Lilang originates from the Minangkabau culture in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a popular condiment that is often served with traditional dishes like rendang and nasi padang. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this sambal a staple in Indonesian cuisine.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, cut into thin strips
1 small tomato (ripe), cut into small cubes
1 tsp fresh basil, chopped fine
1 lime rind, chopped into tiny pieces
0.25 cup fresh lime juice
1 small hot red chili (fresh), stemmed, seeded, cut into thin strips
1 small hot green chili (fresh), stemmed, seeded, cut into thin strips

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Allow the mixture to rest for several hours, stirring occasionally.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.
Substitute the chilies with bell peppers for a milder version.
Mix in some soy sauce or fish sauce for added umami flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the ingredients into thin strips or small cubes to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Allow the mixture to rest for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a more intense taste.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your sambal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sambal Dabo Lilang as a topping for grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes.

- Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or fried snacks.

- Mix it into stir-fries or noodle dishes for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead.

- You can use lemon juice as a substitute for lime juice if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This sambal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sambal in a small bowl or ramekin for easy dipping. - Garnish with extra basil leaves or lime wedges for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sambal Dabo Lilang with grilled chicken, steamed rice, or fried tofu for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sambal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This sambal is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy condiment option to add flavor to your meals.

Summary

Sambal Dabo Lilang is a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds a spicy and tangy kick to any dish. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this sambal is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meals with a taste of Indonesian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Sambal Dabo Lilang. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Indonesia, that I stumbled upon a small village where I met an elderly woman who was known for her exceptional cooking skills. Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma that wafted from her kitchen, I approached her and asked if she would be willing to share one of her recipes with me.

She smiled warmly and invited me into her humble home, where she proceeded to show me how to make Sambal Dabo Lilang. This traditional Indonesian dish is made with fresh red chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, tamarind, and palm sugar, all pounded together to create a spicy and sweet chili paste that is used as a condiment or marinade for various dishes.

As I watched the elderly woman expertly grind the ingredients with a mortar and pestle, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and precision. She explained to me that the key to making a good sambal lies in the balance of flavors – the heat from the chilies, the sweetness from the palm sugar, the tanginess from the tamarind, and the umami from the shrimp paste.

After the paste was ready, she heated some oil in a pan and sautéed it until it turned a rich, dark red color. The aroma that filled the air was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the sambal was done, the elderly woman served it with a plate of freshly grilled fish and steamed white rice. The combination of flavors was simply divine – the spicy sambal complemented the delicate fish perfectly, while the rice helped to balance out the heat. It was a meal I would never forget.

Before I left the village, the elderly woman presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for Sambal Dabo Lilang. She told me that she had learned how to make it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. She hoped that I would continue the tradition by sharing the recipe with others and keeping it alive for future generations.

Since that day, I have made Sambal Dabo Lilang countless times, always savoring the memories of that unforgettable meal in the small Indonesian village. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that moment when I first discovered the magic of this traditional dish and the generosity of the elderly woman who shared it with me.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am grateful for the experiences and people who have enriched my life through the culinary arts. Cooking is not just about preparing food – it is about connecting with others, preserving traditions, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever thankful.