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Sambal Tomat

A traditional Indonesian chili paste cooked with fresh tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. It delivers a balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile.

25 minEasyServes 665 cal/serving

IndonesianSauceStovetopVeganVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 6 large red chilies, sliced
  • 4 bird's eye chilies, stemmed
  • 4 shallots, peeled
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp palm sugar, grated
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp lime juice, fresh

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add 2 cups chopped Roma tomatoes, 6 sliced large red chilies, 4 stemmed bird's eye chilies, 4 peeled shallots, and 2 peeled garlic cloves to the pan.

  3. 3

    Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and blister.

  4. 4

    Transfer the cooked vegetables to a mortar or food processor and grind into a coarse paste.

  5. 5

    Return the paste to the skillet, then stir in 2 tsp grated palm sugar and 1/2 tsp salt.

  6. 6

    Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the oil separates from the paste.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp fresh lime juice before serving.

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Questions

What is Sambal Tomat?

A traditional Indonesian chili paste cooked with fresh tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. It delivers a balanced sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile. This reference files it under Indonesian sauce: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 25 minutes start to finish.

What equipment do I need for Sambal Tomat?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a food processor (step 4) and a mortar and pestle (step 4). If you do not have one, a sharp knife and patience, or a blender in short pulses, stands in for the food processor.

What can I use instead of palm sugar in Sambal Tomat?

The entry for Sambal Tomat calls for 2 tsp palm sugar, grated. In its place: Dark or light brown sugar works, measure for measure.

Is Sambal Tomat spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Sambal Tomat comes from 6 large red chilies, sliced and 4 bird's eye chilies, stemmed. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the bird's eye 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.

Is Sambal Tomat low-carb?

A serving of Sambal Tomat carries 5 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 25 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 5 percent.

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