Soto Chili Sauce

Soto Chili Sauce Recipe from Brunei - Garlic, Candlenuts, Salt, Sugar, Lime Juice

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

Introduction

Soto Chili Sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish. This sauce is commonly used in Indonesian cuisine to add heat and depth of flavor to various dishes.

History

Soto Chili Sauce has been a staple in Indonesian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia, where it was traditionally served with soto, a traditional Indonesian soup. Over time, this versatile sauce has become popular in various dishes, adding a spicy and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

6 boiled red chilies
10 boiled bird's eye chilies
1 fried clove of garlic
3 fried candlenuts
salt to taste
a pinch of sugar
lime juice

How to prepare

Grind or pound the red chilies, bird's eye chilies, garlic, and candlenuts together until they form a paste. Then, add the salt and sugar.
Finally, add 3 tbsp of water and lime juice to taste. Serve.

Variations

You can add tomatoes, onions, or shrimp paste for a different flavor profile.
For a milder version, remove the bird's eye chilies or reduce the amount of chilies used.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference. You can add more or less chilies to suit your taste.

- Make sure to grind or pound the ingredients into a smooth paste for the best texture.

- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Soto Chili Sauce with grilled meats, rice dishes, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for snacks.

Cooking Techniques

Grind or pound the ingredients into a smooth paste for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find candlenuts, you can use macadamia nuts or almonds as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make Soto Chili Sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sauce in a small bowl or drizzle it over your dishes for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Soto Chili Sauce with grilled chicken, seafood, or tofu for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

60 per serving

Carbohydrates

3g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This sauce is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, thanks to the chilies and garlic.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (candlenuts), so be cautious if you have nut allergies.

Summary

Soto Chili Sauce is a low-calorie condiment that adds flavor and heat to your dishes. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Summary

Soto Chili Sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to your dishes. With a blend of red chilies, bird's eye chilies, garlic, and candlenuts, this sauce is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it with your favorite dishes for an extra burst of heat and flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, pick tomatoes from her garden. As a thank you, she handed me a small white card with a handwritten recipe on it. "Soto Chili Sauce," she said with a smile. "It's my grandmother's secret recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do."

I thanked Mrs. Johnson and tucked the card into my apron pocket, eager to give the recipe a try. That evening, I gathered all the ingredients listed on the card and set to work in my kitchen. The scent of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices filled the air as I simmered the sauce on the stove. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the sauce was done, I ladled it into a small jar and let it cool on the counter. The rich red color and the spicy aroma were tantalizing. I couldn't resist dipping my finger in for a taste. The flavors exploded on my tongue - tangy, spicy, and full of depth. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I made Soto Chili Sauce countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. It became a signature dish of mine, something that people always requested when they came over for dinner.

As I grew older, I started to think more about the origins of the recipe. Where did Mrs. Johnson's grandmother learn to make this sauce? Was it a family heirloom passed down through generations, or did she create it herself? I decided to dig deeper and see if I could uncover the history behind Soto Chili Sauce.

I reached out to Mrs. Johnson and asked her about the origins of the recipe. She told me that her grandmother had learned to make the sauce from a neighbor who had emigrated from Indonesia many years ago. The neighbor had shared the recipe with her as a gesture of friendship, and it had been a treasured family secret ever since.

I was fascinated by this revelation. I had always loved learning about different cuisines and cooking techniques from around the world. The idea that this simple chili sauce had traveled across continents and generations to land in my kitchen was thrilling.

I decided to do some research on Indonesian cuisine and discovered that Soto Chili Sauce was a popular condiment in Indonesian cooking. It was typically served with grilled meats, fried rice, or noodles, adding a spicy kick and a burst of flavor to any dish. I was amazed at the versatility of the sauce and excited to experiment with new ways to use it in my cooking.

I began to incorporate Soto Chili Sauce into my favorite recipes, using it as a marinade for chicken, a dressing for salads, or a dipping sauce for spring rolls. Each time I cooked with it, I felt a connection to Mrs. Johnson's grandmother and the neighbor who had first shared the recipe. It was like I was carrying on a tradition, honoring their memory through my love of cooking.

As the years passed, I continued to make Soto Chili Sauce regularly, always keeping a jar in my fridge for whenever the craving struck. It had become a beloved staple in my kitchen, a taste of faraway lands and cherished memories. I shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition to the next generation.

And now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Soto Chili Sauce on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that brought this recipe into my life. It may have started with a simple card from a neighbor, but it has grown into so much more - a connection to the past, a celebration of culture, and a delicious reminder of the power of food to bring people together. And for that, I am truly thankful.