Toples Tropis - Spicy and Sour Tempoyak: A Signature Dish from South Sumatra that Excites the Palate.
Spicy and sour tempoyak is one of the signature dishes of South Sumatra that is greatly loved by the locals. This dish is made from tempoyak, which is fermented durian, cooked in a spicy and sour broth.
Spicy and sour tempoyak offers a unique flavor profile, combining the tanginess, spiciness, and savory notes of the fermented durian. The dish also boasts a distinctive aroma derived from the fermented durian.
Usually, spicy and sour tempoyak is prepared with fish such as catfish, featherback fish, or tilapia. However, it can also be made with meat, like beef or chicken.
Spicy and sour tempoyak pairs perfectly with warm white rice. It can also be enjoyed with additional side dishes like sambal, fresh vegetables, and crackers.
You can easily find spicy and sour tempoyak in various eateries and restaurants across South Sumatra. Alternatively, you can also make it at home.
Here's the recipe for spicy and sour tempoyak:
**Ingredients:**
* 500 grams of tempoyak
* 1 liter of water
* 200 grams of red curly chili, finely blended
* 100 grams of red bird's eye chili, finely blended
* 5 shallots, finely blended
* 3 cloves of garlic, finely blended
* 1 segment of galangal, bruised
* 3 bay leaves
* 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
* 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1 catfish, cut as desired
**Instructions:**
1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add tempoyak and stir until evenly mixed.
3. Add red curly chili, red bird's eye chili, shallots, garlic, galangal, bay leaves, lemongrass, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
4. Add the catfish. Cook until the fish is done and the broth thickens.
5. Serve with warm white rice.
**Tips:**
* For a richer flavor of spicy and sour tempoyak, use tempoyak that has been fermented for several days.
* If you prefer not to use fish, you can also prepare spicy and sour tempoyak with beef or chicken.
* Spicy and sour tempoyak can also be cooked with various types of vegetables, such as eggplant, green beans, and yardlong beans.
* Enhance the enjoyment of spicy and sour tempoyak by serving it with sambal, fresh vegetables, and crackers.
