Sambal Matah

Name: Sambal Matah
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 8 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced; 8 shallots, thinly sliced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup lime juice; 2 tsp palm sugar; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 2 stalks lemongrass, very finely chopped

A raw, vibrant Indonesian condiment with shallots, chilies, and lime. Fresh, spicy, and tangy. The perfect accompaniment to grilled fish and rice.

15 minEasyServes 845 cal/serving

IndonesianSauceNo-CookVeganGluten-Free

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Ingredients

8 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced
8 shallots, thinly sliced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup lime juice
2 tsp palm sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 stalks lemongrass, very finely chopped

Instructions

1

In a bowl, combine 8 thinly sliced red Thai chilies, 8 thinly sliced shallots, and 6 minced garlic cloves.
2

Add 2 stalks very finely chopped lemongrass and toss gently to combine.
3

In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup lime juice with 2 tsp palm sugar and 1/2 tsp sea salt until palm sugar dissolves.
4

Pour the lime juice mixture over the chilies mixture and stir gently.
5

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or lime juice as desired.
6

Serve fresh alongside grilled fish, rice, or roasted vegetables.

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Questions

What is Sambal Matah?

A raw, vibrant Indonesian condiment with shallots, chilies, and lime. Fresh, spicy, and tangy. The perfect accompaniment to grilled fish and rice. This reference files it under Indonesian sauce: made without cooking, rated easy and about 15 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for lemongrass in Sambal Matah?

The entry for Sambal Matah calls for 2 stalks lemongrass, very finely chopped. In its place: Use the zest of one lemon plus a thin slice of fresh ginger per stalk. It is brighter and less floral, but it fills the same space.

Is Sambal Matah spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Sambal Matah comes from 8 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the red chilies, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

How many calories are in Sambal Matah?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 45 calories, with 1 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 1 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 280 mg sodium.

Can I freeze Sambal Matah?

Yes. Refrigerate Sambal Matah in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

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