Indonesian cuisine is well known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, ranging from spicy and savory curries to refreshing and sweet desserts. One of the most popular Indonesian dishes is gado-gado, a colorful salad that combines a variety of fresh vegetables and proteins with a delicious peanut sauce.Gado-gado is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course, depending on the amount of ingredients used. Some of the most common ingredients found in gado-gado include boiled potatoes, green beans, bean sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, tofu, and boiled eggs. The ingredients are usually arranged on a plate or bowl and served with a generous amount of peanut sauce drizzled on top.The peanut sauce is what makes gado-gado stand out from other salads. Made from ground roasted peanuts, coconut milk, tamarind juice, and a blend of spices, the sauce has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables. The sauce is usually prepared by frying garlic and shallots in oil before adding the ground peanuts, coconut milk, and other ingredients. It is then simmered until it thickens and the flavors meld together.Gado-gado is a healthy and nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and protein sources. The peanut sauce also provides a good source of healthy fats and protein from the ground peanuts. In addition, the dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan by omitting the eggs.To make gado-gado at home, start by boiling the potatoes, green beans, and bean sprouts until they are cooked but still slightly crunchy. Blanch the cabbage and cucumber in boiling water for a few seconds to soften them, then drain and set aside. Arrange the vegetables and proteins on a plate or bowl, then drizzle with the peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fried shallots, and serve immediately.Gado-gado is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Its combination of fresh vegetables and savory peanut sauce makes it a healthy and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and enjoy.
In addition to being delicious, Gado-Gado salad is also a healthy option, as it is packed with vegetables and protein. The salad is typically dressed with a peanut sauce, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
To make the peanut sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1-2 red chillies, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup water
To make the sauce, place the peanuts, chillies (if using), garlic, kecap manis, tamarind paste, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste. You may need to add more water if the sauce is too thick. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.
To prepare the salad, you will need:
- 1 head of lettuce, shredded
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup boiled potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup boiled green beans, sliced
- 1 cup boiled carrots, sliced
- 2 boiled eggs, sliced
To assemble the salad, arrange the shredded lettuce on a plate. Top the lettuce with the cucumber slices, bean sprouts, sliced potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Arrange the sliced boiled eggs on top of the vegetables. Finally, drizzle the peanut sauce over the salad.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy Indonesian salad as a main dish or a side dish at your next meal!
