Introduction:
chili egg, a beloved dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, offers a burst of flavor with its spicy sambal sauce paired with boiled eggs. It's a dish that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and savory notes. Let's dive into crafting this delectable dish!
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 5-6 red chili peppers, finely chopped
- 4 shallots, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced shallots. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
- Stir in chopped red chili peppers and diced tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are softened.
- Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, shrimp paste (if using), and salt. Mix well until sugar is dissolved.
- Gently add the boiled eggs to the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the eggs are heated through, remove from heat.
Presentation:
- Serve chili egg hot, garnished with some fresh cilantro leaves or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a side dish alongside other Indonesian or Malaysian favorites.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. You can deseed them for a milder heat.
- To save time, you can prepare the sambal sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Experiment with different variations of sambal by adding ingredients like lime juice, lemongrass, or ginger for added depth of flavor.
Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can fry the boiled eggs until golden brown before adding them to the sambal sauce.
- Incorporate protein options such as tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of chili egg.
- For a seafood twist, add some cooked shrimp or squid to the sambal sauce along with the eggs.
Calories: The calorie count for chili egg can vary depending on factors such as portion size and the amount of oil used. On average, one serving of chili egg with two eggs and a moderate amount of sauce contains approximately 250-300 calories.
Conclusion: chili egg is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. With its spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, chili egg is a flavorful addition to any mealtime repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and savor the deliciousness of homemade chili egg today!
