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Sayur Asem

A classic tamarind vegetable soup balancing tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Crisp vegetables and raw peanuts simmered in an aromatic broth make this dish light yet full of depth.

30 minEasyServes 4140 cal/serving

IndonesianSoupStovetopVegetarianVeganHigh FiberHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 1 ear sweet corn, cut in rounds
  • 1 cup chayote squash, cubed
  • 1 cup yardlong beans, cut 2-inch
  • 1/4 cup raw peanuts
  • 1 cup melinjo leaves, chopped
  • 4 shallots, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 red chili, sliced
  • 1.5 tbsp palm sugar, grated
  • 1.5 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Add 4 sliced shallots, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced red chili, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1.5 tbsp grated palm sugar, and 1.5 tsp salt to the pot, stirring well.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1 ear cut in rounds sweet corn and 1/4 cup raw peanuts, reducing heat to medium and simmering for 8 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add 1 cup cubed chayote squash and 1 cup cut 2-inch yardlong beans, cooking for another 5 minutes until tender.

  5. 5

    Turn off heat, stir in 1 cup chopped melinjo leaves, and serve warm.

Questions

How long does Sayur Asem keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Sayur Asem?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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