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Sambal Terasi

Description

Sambal terasi is an Indonesian chili paste made primarily from fresh red chilies and fermented shrimp paste known as terasi. It is one of the most common and widely used sambals across Indonesia and serves as a versatile condiment that accompanies a variety of dishes, from fried fish and vegetables to rice and tofu.

The key ingredient, terasi, is made from ground, salted, and fermented small shrimp that is sun-dried and either formed into blocks or sold loose. Before being used in sambal, terasi is typically toasted or fried to reduce its strong odor and enhance its umami flavor.

Ingredients

• 15 cayenne peppers
• 9 large red chili peppers
• 5 bulbs red Asian shallot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp terasi (shrimp paste)
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (red sugar)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• cooking oil, for sautéing

Steps

1. Clean the peppers, cut them into smaller pieces, and fry in cooking oil until wilted. Set aside.
2. Peel and chop the onion and garlic, sauté in hot oil, and set aside.
3. Place the peppers, onion, garlic, salt, and sugar in a mortar and grind. Alternatively, you can also use a food processor.
4. Add shrimp paste and grind or process until smooth.
5. Serve immediately.