🇲🇾 Malay Eggplant Dishes: Terung Sambal (Malay Spicy Eggplant)

Sautéed eggplant in a bold sambal sauce—spicy, savory, and utterly satisfying with rice.

Description:
A traditional Malay dish that features eggplant slices cooked in a rich, spicy sambal sauce made from chilies, garlic, and shrimp paste. This dish brings a perfect balance of heat, savory, and umami flavors.

Flavor Profile:
Spicy, savory, and slightly tangy with a deep, umami flavor from the shrimp paste. The eggplant becomes tender and absorbs the vibrant sambal sauce.

How it's made:
The eggplant is sliced and sautéed until golden brown, then combined with a sambal sauce made from blended chilies, garlic, and shrimp paste. It is often served with rice for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch rounds

• 4-5 red chilies (adjust based on heat preference)

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small onion

• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (belacan)

• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste

• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• Salt, to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   • Slice the eggplants into rounds or wedges, about 1-inch thick.

   • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and sauté the eggplant slices until golden and tender. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Sambal Sauce:

   • Blend the chilies, garlic, and onion together to form a smooth paste.

   • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the paste until it becomes fragrant and the oil separates (about 3-4 minutes).

   • Add shrimp paste, tamarind paste, and palm sugar, and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Combine the Eggplant and Sambal:

   • Add the sautéed eggplant into the sambal sauce and stir gently to coat.

   • Add salt to taste and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the eggplant to absorb the sauce.

4. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or nasi lemak (coconut rice).

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Variations of Terung Sambal:

1. Vegetarian Version:

   • Skip the shrimp paste to make this dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You can substitute the shrimp paste with a bit of miso paste for an umami boost.

2. Add Tofu or Tempeh:

   • For a heartier dish, add fried tofu or tempeh to the sambal mix. These ingredients absorb the flavors of the sambal sauce beautifully.

3. Milder Version:

   • For a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies or substitute some of the red chilies with sweet peppers. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies for less heat.

4. With Chicken or Seafood:

   • Add grilled or sautéed chicken or seafood to make this a more filling main dish. The sambal sauce pairs excellently with both protein sources.

5. Balinese Twist:

   • Try adding a touch of lemongrass and galangal to the sambal paste to create a Balinese-style sambal with a fragrant and aromatic base.

6. Fried Eggplant Variation:

   • For extra crispy eggplant, deep fry the slices instead of sautéing them. This adds a crispy texture and deeper flavor.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Terung Sambal with steamed rice or nasi lemak for a complete Malay meal.

• Pair with grilled meats like satay or fried fish for a hearty spread.

• Enjoy with cucumber pickles or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast to the spiciness.

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