Embark on a delightful culinary journey as we explore the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Brunei through its beloved dish, Pecal. Brunei's Pecal is not just a meal; it's a celebration of tradition, community, and the vibrant tapestry of flavors that define Bruneian cuisine. In this culinary expedition, we will delve into the ingredients, preparation, and the cultural significance that make Pecal a staple on Brunei's dining tables. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a savory peanut sauce that characterizes this iconic Bruneian dish. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Brunei's Pecal, inviting you to recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch lengths and blanched
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1 cup roasted peanuts, finely ground
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fried shallots
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the cabbage, julienne the cucumber, grate the carrot, and blanch the long beans. Arrange them on a serving platter along with sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

1-In a blender or food processor, combine finely ground roasted peanuts, minced garlic, tamarind paste, sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, and chili paste.

2-Add water gradually while blending until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

3-Season with salt to taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your preference.

Assemble the Pecal:Pour the peanut sauce over the prepared vegetables on the serving platter.

Garnish and Serve:

1-Sprinkle fried shallots and chopped cilantro over the salad for added flavor and texture.

2-Serve the Pecal immediately, accompanied by lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy:Mix the vegetables and peanut sauce together just before serving to ensure a delightful blend of flavors. Squeeze lime over the salad for a refreshing zing.

Note: Pecal is versatile, and you can customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken for a heartier variation. This Brunei Pecal recipe captures the essence of a traditional Bruneian dish, providing a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess in every bite.

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brands and measurements. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for some of the key ingredients:

Approximate Nutritional Values (per serving, based on common serving sizes):

For the Salad:

Cabbage (2 cups, shredded):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins K and C, cabbage provides antioxidants and supports immune function. It also contains fiber, promoting digestive health.

Bean Sprouts (1 cup):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g

Benefits: Low in calories and high in nutrients, bean sprouts are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and protein. They contribute to overall immune health and digestion.

Cucumber (1 medium-sized):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g

Benefits: Cucumbers are hydrating and contain vitamins K and C. They also provide antioxidants and may help with hydration and skin health.

Carrot (1 medium-sized, grated):

• Calories: 25
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

Benefits: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting vision health. They also provide fiber and antioxidants.

Long Beans (1 cup, blanched):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g

Benefits: Long beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and manganese. They contribute to digestive health and provide essential nutrients.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (2 eggs, sliced):

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 9g

Benefits: Eggs are a complete protein source, containing essential amino acids. They provide various nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, promoting muscle and brain health.

For the Peanut Sauce:

Roasted Peanuts (1 cup, finely ground):

• Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 68g

Benefits: Peanuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They provide energy, support heart health, and offer antioxidants.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Garlic has antimicrobial properties and contains allicin, which has potential health benefits, including immune system support and cardiovascular health.

Tamarind Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: Tamarind is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. It may aid digestion and provide some vitamins and minerals.

Sweet Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 70
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor to the dish. While sweet soy sauce is higher in sugar, it provides a distinct taste and is a source of iron.

Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds sweetness to the peanut sauce. While it should be used in moderation, palm sugar contains some vitamins and minerals.

Chili Paste (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds spice to the dish and may boost metabolism. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which may have various health benefits, including pain relief.

Water (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 0

Benefits: Essential for hydration, supports bodily functions, and aids in the blending of the peanut sauce.

For Garnish:

Fried Shallots:

• Nutritional values can vary; typically, a small serving contributes around 20 calories with small amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

Benefits: Adds crunch and flavor to the dish. Shallots are a good source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Chopped Cilantro:

• Negligible caloric impact (mostly used for flavor).

Benefits: Enhances flavor without adding significant calories. Cilantro also provides vitamins and antioxidants.

Lime Wedges:

• Negligible caloric impact (mostly used for flavor).

Benefits: Adds acidity and brightness to the dish. Limes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. Adjustments should be made according to your dietary needs and preferences.