How to Make Sambal sauce

• Prepare the chili peppers by removing the stems and roughly chopping them. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can remove the seeds and membranes from some or all of the peppers.
• Peel and roughly chop the shallots and garlic cloves. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant and lightly browned.
• Add the chopped chili peppers to the pan and continue cooking for a few minutes until they start to soften.
• Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes until they are slightly softened.
• Add the shrimp paste to the pan and stir well to incorporate it into the mixture.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the mixture into a paste.
• Return the blended mixture to the pan and place it back on low heat. Stir in the palm sugar, lime juice, and salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let the sambal sauce cool completely before transferring it to a sterilized jar or container.

The sambal sauce is typically served as a condiment or dipping sauce. It can be served with grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, noodles, or even as a spicy addition to sandwiches and wraps.

Sambal is a popular hot sauce originating from Indonesia. It is known for its vibrant flavors and spicy kick. The combination of chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and other ingredients creates a versatile sauce that adds a delicious heat to a wide range of dishes. Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a condiment, sambal sauce is a must-try for chili lovers.

Facts about the sauce:

1. Sambal is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and is often considered the national condiment of Indonesia.
2. There are many variations of sambal sauce, with different regions and households having their own unique recipes.
3. The heat level of sambal can vary depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.
4. Sambal is not only popular in Indonesia but also widely enjoyed in other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
5. The sauce’s vibrant color comes from the red chili peppers used in its preparation.
6. Sambal is a versatile sauce that can be customized by adding other ingredients like tamarind, shrimp paste, or even fruits for a unique flavor profile.