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Sambal goreng boontjes
Sambal goreng boontjes: Indo-Dutch green beans in spicy coconut sambal
Sambal goreng boontjes is one of the most loved dishes in Dutch-Indonesian homes and toko takeaways: green beans fried in a spice paste of shallot, garlic, chilli and galangal, then simmered in coconut milk with lime leaves until just tender and coated in a rich, spicy, slightly sweet sauce. It is a regular part of a rijsttafel. Traditional versions include shrimp paste (trassi); this one is vegan. A common mistake is overcooking the beans until khaki. Chef's tip: fry the spice paste until the oil separates and it smells sweet, which takes the raw edge off the chilli and garlic.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the paste
- 4 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
For the beans
- 1 ⅛ lb green beanscut into 4 cm lengths
- ¾ cup coconut milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp tamarind paste
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Fresh ingredients (6)
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Blend 4 shallots, 3 cloves garlic, 3 red chillies and ¾ in fresh galangal or ginger to a paste.
Step 2: Fry the paste in 3 tbsp sunflower oil over a medium heat for 5–6 minutes, until it darkens, smells sweet and the oil separates.
6 minStep 3: Add 1 ⅛ lb green beans and stir-fry 3 minutes.
3 minStep 4: Add ¾ cup coconut milk, 3 kaffir lime leaves, 1 tsp palm sugar or brown sugar, ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp tamarind paste and simmer 6–8 minutes, until the beans are just tender and the sauce coats them. Common mistake: overcooking; they turn khaki.
8 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 170 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does sambal goreng boontjes take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Is it very spicy?
- It has some heat. Use less chilli for a milder version, or more if you like it hot.
- What can I use instead of shallots?
- Half an onion per 2 shallots.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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