Sayur Asem

Name: Sayur Asem
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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Questions

Is there a substitute for tamarind in Sayur Asem?

The entry for Sayur Asem calls for 2 tbsp tamarind paste. In its place: Equal parts lime juice and brown sugar give the same sour-sweet effect. Pomegranate molasses also works where you have it.

Can I make Sayur Asem less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Sayur Asem comes from 2 red chili, sliced. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the chili, or use half; nothing else in the method changes.

Does Sayur Asem contain peanuts?

Yes: 1/4 cup raw peanuts. The full allergen list for this entry is peanuts. Where the peanuts are a garnish, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds give the same crunch. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Sayur Asem?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 140 calories, with 5 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate and 3 g fat, plus 5 g fiber and 680 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Sayur Asem?

Refrigerate Sayur Asem for 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.

Serve it with

Bawang Goreng side
Gado Gado salad
Maple-Glazed Bacon Brussels Sprouts side

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