Sambal Matah is a famous Balinese raw sambal that combines fresh ingredients to create a burst of flavor. "Matah" means raw in Balinese, emphasizing the uncooked nature of this sambal. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or even as a side dish to spice up your meals.
To make Sambal Matah, you will need the following ingredients:
- 5 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 10 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste), thinly sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, outer layers removed, finely sliced
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (optional), toasted
- Juice of 2 limes
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil (or other neutral oil), heated
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Preparation:
- Thinly slice shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
- If using shrimp paste, toast it until fragrant.
2. Mixing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced shallots, garlic, chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
3. Seasoning:
- Add the toasted shrimp paste (if using) to the mixture.
- Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the mixture.
- Add salt to taste.
4. Final Touch:
- Heat the coconut oil until hot, then pour it over the sambal mixture. This step will slightly cook the ingredients, enhancing their flavors.
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with oil.
5. Serving:
- Serve Sambal Matah fresh alongside your favorite dishes.
Tips for Making Sambal Matah
- Adjust spiciness: Modify the number of bird’s eye chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible to maintain the vibrant flavors of the sambal.
- Oil choice: While coconut oil is traditional, you can use other neutral oils if preferred.
- Shrimp paste: The shrimp paste adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
Variations
- Vegetarian version Omit the shrimp paste and add a bit of soy sauce for umami.
- Sambal Matah with fried shallots: Add a handful of crispy fried shallots for extra crunch.
- Extra tangy: Increase the amount of lime juice for a more tangy version.
- Sambal Matah with anchovies: Add finely chopped anchovies for a more savory flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 90 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Sambal Matah is a vibrant and flavorful sambal that adds a fresh and spicy kick to any dish. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in Balinese cuisine. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, Sambal Matah is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Bali to your dining table. Enjoy it with grilled meats, seafood, or as a zesty side to enliven your meals.
