Indonesia, known for its diverse culinary landscape, boasts a myriad of flavors and dishes. Among them, Aceh Noodles stand out as a symbol of the rich culinary heritage of the Aceh province. This dish, characterized by its robust spices and aromatic broth, offers a tantalizing experience for food enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the recipe, preparation, serving suggestions, tips, variations, and nutritional insights of this delectable Indonesian delicacy.
Ingredients:
- 300g dried yellow noodles
- 200g beef, thinly sliced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Sambal, lime wedges, fried shallots, and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the dried yellow noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, turmeric, coriander, and cumin into a smooth paste.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned.
Create the Broth: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and water. Add the tamarind paste, sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, and bruised lemongrass. Simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Dish: Place a portion of cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and beef over the noodles.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Aceh Noodles with sambal, lime wedges, fried shallots, and chopped green onions according to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sambal according to your preference.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the ground spices before blending them into a paste.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a refreshing acidity to the dish.
Variations:
- Seafood Aceh Noodles: Replace beef with shrimp, squid, or a combination of seafood.
- Creamy Aceh Noodles: Stir in coconut milk to the broth for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Aceh Noodles: Increase the amount of chili peppers or sambal for an extra kick.