Elevate your culinary game with the irresistible Sweet Sambal, a vibrant Indonesian-inspired chili condiment that balances fiery heat with a rich, caramelized sweetness. Packed with bold flavors from fresh red chili peppers, aromatic garlic, and shallots, this recipe is perfectly complemented by palm sugar and tangy tamarind paste for a tantalizing sweet-and-sour profile. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this versatile sambal is ideal for adding depth to grilled meats, fried rice, or even as a dipping sauce for snacks. Whether you're looking for a spicy kick or a flavor-packed condiment to impress your guests, this homemade Sweet Sambal is the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Start by preparing the ingredients. Chop the red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic cloves finely. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before chopping.
In a large frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped shallots and garlic. SautΓ© for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and start to caramelize.
Add the chopped red chili peppers to the frying pan and continue to sautΓ© for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the mixture is aromatic and the chilies have softened, add the palm sugar and continue to cook while stirring until the sugar melts and starts to caramelize, about 3 minutes.
Add the tamarind paste and salt to the pan, stirring well to combine with the chili mixture. Slowly pour in the water and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
Reduce the heat and let the sambal cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesnβt stick to the pan. The mixture should thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more salt or sugar at this point to suit your taste preferences.
Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let the sambal cool before transferring it to a clean jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your sweet sambal as a dipping sauce or use it to enhance the flavor of your dishes like grilled meats, eggs, or rice.
Calories |
660 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2422 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 100.5 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 76.5 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 122 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1775 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.