Spicy Shrimp Paste Sambal

 

Ficture: Sambal belacan

Ingredients:

• 10 red curly chilies
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 3 shallots
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 red tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon grilled shrimp paste (belacan)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon palm sugar (optional)
• 1 calamansi lime (extract the juice)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Sauté the ingredients: Heat oil in a pan, then sauté the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomato until softened.
2. Grind the sambal: Remove from heat, then grind the sautéed ingredients coarsely using a mortar and pestle along with the grilled shrimp paste, salt, and palm sugar.
3. Add lime juice: Squeeze the calamansi lime over the sambal and mix well.
4. Ready to serve: The South Tapanuli Sambal Belacan is ready to be enjoyed with warm rice, grilled fish, or your favorite dishes.

This sambal has a bold spicy flavor with a strong shrimp paste aroma and a refreshing hint of lime. Enjoy! 🌶️🔥