Indonesian cuisine is famous for its bold and complex flavors, and one dish that exemplifies this is rujak. Rujak is a traditional salad that features a unique combination of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors, making it a favorite among many Indonesians.
The dish has its roots in West Java, where it is known as ‘rujak cingur’. ‘Cingur’ refers to cow’s nose, which is one of the key ingredients of the dish in that region. However, the dish has evolved over time and is now enjoyed in various forms throughout Indonesia.
What makes rujak so special is its sauce, which is made from a blend of chili, tamarind, palm sugar, and other spices. The sauce is then mixed with a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as mango, pineapple, cucumber, and bean sprouts. The result is a flavorful salad that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Another unique aspect of rujak is the use of shrimp paste, which is added to the sauce to give it a savory depth of flavor. While some may be put off by the pungent smell of shrimp paste, it is an essential ingredient in many Indonesian dishes, including rujak.
Rujak can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal on its own, but it is also commonly served as a side dish to accompany other Indonesian dishes. It is especially popular during the hot and humid months, as its cooling and refreshing qualities make it the perfect antidote to the heat.
Indonesian rujak is a colorful and refreshing fruit salad that is popular across the country. It is made with a combination of fresh fruits and vegetables that are cut into bite-sized pieces and then mixed with a spicy and tangy dressing. The dish is perfect for hot and humid days when you need something light and refreshing to cool you down.
- 3 cups of mixed fruits (pineapple, mango, apple, papaya, cucumber, jicama)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 red chilies
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp
- 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- Wash and cut the fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Grind the garlic, chilies, tamarind paste, palm sugar, salt, and shrimp paste in a mortar and pestle or a food processor until smooth.
- Add the dried shrimp and continue to grind until it is mixed in.
- Pour the dressing over the fruits and vegetables and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and serve immediately.
There are many variations of rujak throughout Indonesia, and each region has its own unique take on the dish. Some versions use a sweeter dressing made with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) or honey, while others incorporate additional ingredients such as tempeh or tofu.
Whether you prefer your rujak sweet, spicy, or sour, one thing is certain: this colorful and refreshing dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
