idfb Challenge #4 : Sambal Pencit / Unripe mango sambal

Did I ever mention that I like hot food a lot ? For me, eating without sambal is not complete ! It's like something is missing. During my childhood, making sambal for family dinner was my responsibility. Shrimp paste sambal (sambal terasi), tomato sambal (sambal tomat), tempe sambal or tofu sambal (sambal tahu). The last two are my dad's recipes. His tempe sambal and tofu sambal is the best. :)

Grinding chilies together with sambal ingredients using mortar and pestle is still my preference rather than using blender. It's traditional yet the sambal has a specific texture. The basic ingredient of sambal is, of course, chili. Mixed with any of various ingredients, like tomato, shrimp paste, kaffir lime, shallot, garlic, peanut, etc. Each region has its own sambal with particular style.

Pencit is Javanese language for unripe mango. Sambal pencit or unripe mango sambal can be eaten with grilled fish, grilled duck or grilled chicken. I remember of a restaurant that sells grilled fish with tomato sambal and sambal pencit. I love the combination of sour from unripe mango, hot from chilies and a little of sweetness from sugar.

This post is my entry for IDFB Challenge#4 "Sambal" and IFP (Indonesian Food Party)

 

Enjoy.....