Pecel Pincuk is a traditional Javanese dish renowned for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This delightful dish consists of assorted blanched vegetables served with a rich, nutty sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, Pecel Pincuk is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s how you can recreate this Indonesian classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 150 grams of roasted peanuts
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 red chili peppers (adjust according to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 ml water
For the Vegetables:
- 200 grams green beans, trimmed
- 200 grams bean sprouts
- 200 grams of spinach leaves
- 200 grams of water spinach (kangkung), trimmed
- 200 grams cabbage, shredded
- 4 pieces of tofu, fried (optional)
- 4 pieces of tempeh, fried (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a blender, combine roasted peanuts, garlic, red chili peppers, palm sugar, tamarind paste, salt, and water.
- Blend until smooth and set aside.
Blanch the Vegetables:
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Blanch green beans, bean sprouts, spinach leaves, water spinach, and cabbage separately until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain and set aside.
Fry Tofu and Tempeh (Optional):
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry tofu and tempeh until they turn golden brown. Drain excess oil on a paper towel.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place a handful of each blanched vegetable on a serving plate.
- Arrange fried tofu and tempeh on top.
- Pour the peanut sauce generously over the vegetables and tofu.
Serve:
- Serve Pecel Pincuk immediately while it's still warm.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
- To save time, you can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can customize the vegetables based on your preference and seasonal availability.
- For a richer flavor, you can add kaffir lime leaves or lemongrass while blending the sauce.
Variations:
- Add boiled eggs or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Substitute palm sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish with fried shallots or crushed peanuts for added texture.
Nutritional Information:
- The calorie content of Pecel Pincuk can vary depending on the amount of sauce and additional ingredients used. On average, a serving of Pecel Pincuk contains approximately 250-300 calories.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Indonesia with Pecel Pincuk. This traditional dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a nutritious meal packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, Pecel Pincuk is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
