Recipe Tamarind vegetable: The Delicious Indonesian Dish Taking the World by Storm

Tamarind vegetable soup is a traditional Indonesian dish known for its refreshing and tangy flavor. This vegetable soup is packed with a variety of fresh produce and seasoned with tamarind to create a delightful balance of sourness. Here's how you can make this flavorful dish at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 medium-sized chayote, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup peeled and diced pumpkin
• 1 medium-sized tomato, cut into wedges
• 1 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 pieces of Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of tempeh, cut into cubes
• 2 pieces of tofu, cut into cubes
• 1 cup water spinach (kangkung) or spinach leaves
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fried shallots for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add chayote, pumpkin, tomato, string beans, and corn kernels to the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are partially cooked.
3. Stir in the Indonesian bay leaves, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. If using, add tempeh and tofu cubes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
5. Add water spinach or spinach leaves to the soup and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with sliced red chilies, minced garlic, and fried shallots if desired.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of tamarind paste and palm sugar according to your preference for sourness and sweetness.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, or yardlong beans for more variety.
• For a richer flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of water.
• To save time, you can use pre-made tamarind soup base available in some Asian grocery stores.

Variations:

• Tamarind vegetable soup Prawns: Add peeled and deveined prawns to the soup for a seafood twist.
• Tamarind vegetable soup Fish: Substitute vegetables with chunks of white fish such as tilapia or snapper for a heartier meal.
• Tamarind vegetable soup Chicken: Add pieces of boneless chicken breast or thighs for a protein-packed version of the dish.

Nutritional Information:

The calorie content of Tamarind vegetable soup can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, it is generally a low-calorie and nutritious dish due to its abundance of vegetables and minimal use of oil or fats.

Conclusion:

Tamarind vegetable soup is not only delicious but also a healthy and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. With its vibrant flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, it's a perfect choice for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet while exploring the diverse culinary traditions of Indonesia. So why not try making this refreshing and tangy soup in your own kitchen today?