Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this traditional Sambal sauce. Made from a mix of fiery chili peppers, shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, and more, this versatile condiment adds a spicy kick to any dish. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to noodles, rice, or grilled meats.

Here's a recipe for Indonesian Sambal:

Ingredients:

  - 200g red chili peppers (a mix of bird's eye chili and red chili peppers)

  - 3-4 cloves of garlic

  - 2 shallots

  - 1 inch ginger, peeled

  - 1 tablespoon shrimp paste

  - 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

  - 2 tablespoons lime juice

  - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  - Salt to taste

Instructions:

1- Prepare the chili peppers by removing the stems. If you prefer a milder sambal, remove the seeds as well.

2- Peel and roughly chop the garlic, shallots, and ginger.

3- In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and ginger into a coarse paste.

4- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the shrimp paste. Roast it for a minute or until fragrant.

5- Add the chili paste to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

6- Stir in the palm sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

7- Remove from heat and let the sambal cool before transferring it to a clean, airtight jar.

Note: Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your desired level of spiciness. Store the sambal in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutritional Values :

Here's a general nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in Indonesian Sambal:

Red Chili Peppers (200g, mix of bird's eye chili and red chili peppers):

 - Calories: 80-100 kcal

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 4g

Benefits: Chili peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function. They also contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (3-4 cloves):

 - Calories:15-20 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Garlic is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure.

Shallots (2):

 - Calories: 20-30 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Shallots are a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, B6, and manganese, which support immune function and metabolic processes.

Ginger (1 inch):

 - Calories: 5-10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Ginger aids digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for gut health and reducing muscle pain.

Shrimp Paste (1 tablespoon):

 - Calories: 20-30 kcal

 - Fat: 2g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits: Shrimp paste adds umami flavor and is a good source of protein. It also provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Palm Sugar (1 tablespoon):

 - Calories: 60 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 16g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Palm sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium.

Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):

 - Calories: 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection. It adds a tangy flavor to balance the heat of the chilies.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons):

 - Calories:10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Rice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet vinegar that aids in digestion and adds a subtle acidity to dishes. It can help enhance the overall flavor profile of the sambal.

Salt (to taste)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Essential for flavor and maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.