Pecel Madiun is a beloved Indonesian dish celebrated for its rich, delicious, and unique flavor profile. Originating from the city of Madiun in East Java, this traditional meal has grown into a culinary icon adored by people throughout Indonesia. The dish features a delightful combination of fresh, crisp vegetables generously topped with a flavorful, aromatic peanut sauce, creating a distinctive taste that has secured its place as one of the country’s most treasured and iconic dishes.
If you’re craving the authentic taste of Pecel Madiun but can’t visit its hometown, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that allows you to recreate this traditional dish in the comfort of your own home. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Pecel Madiun whenever you want, without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
To make authentic Pecel Madiun at home, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
For Peanut Sauce:
– 250 grams of peanuts, roasted
– 5 curly red chilies
– 3 cayenne peppers (adjust to desired level of spiciness)
– 3 cloves of garlic
– 2 cm of galangal
– 2 pieces of lime leaves, remove the leaf veins
– 1 tbsp tamarind water
– 1 tsp salt
– 100 grams of brown sugar, finely grated
– Water to taste
For Vegetables:
– 200 grams of kale, cut into pieces and boiled
– 200 grams of long beans, cut into pieces and boiled
– 200 grams of bean sprouts, boiled briefly
– 200 grams of spinach, boiled
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
Toppings:
– Peanut crackers
– Fried tempeh
– Boiled eggs
– Shrimp crackers
– White rice warm
Making Steps
Now, let’s start the process of making authentic Pecel Madiun:
1. Making Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce is the main key to the deliciousness of Pecel Madiun. and this is how to make it:
– Roast the peanuts until cooked and fragrant. Make sure not to burn so as not to affect the final taste.
– After cooling, puree the peanuts using a blender or food processor. Don’t make it too smooth, leave a little texture.
– Fry the red chilies, cayenne pepper, garlic, and galangal until wilted and fragrant.
– Puree the fried spices together with the lime leaves.
– Mix the fine spices with the pureed peanuts.
– Add salt, brown sugar, and tamarind water. Stir well.
– Add water little by little while continuing to stir until it reaches the desired consistency. Pecel Madiun peanut sauce usually has a texture that is not too thick.
– Correct the taste. Adjust the level of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness according to your taste.
2. Preparing Vegetables
The vegetables used in Pecel Madiun are usually boiled until cooked but remain crispy. And here are the steps to get it set up:
– Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
– Add kale and long beans, boil for 2-3 minutes or until the color changes to bright green.
– Remove and drain, then soak in ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain its bright green color.
– Boil the bean sprouts briefly, about 30 seconds only, then remove and drain.
– Boil the spinach for 1-2 minutes, remove and drain.
– Slice the cucumber thinly.
3. Preparing Complements
Complements are an important part of Pecel Madiun which provide variations in taste and texture. Here’s the way to get them ready:
– Cook the tempeh until it turns golden brown and crispy. Slice it as desired.
– Boil the eggs until cooked, peel, and cut in half.
-Prepare peanut crackers and shrimp crackers.
4. Serving
The right presentation will make the experience of enjoying Pecel Madiun more authentic. Follow these steps:
– Prepare a serving plate.
– Arrange warm white rice on a plate.
– Arrange the boiled vegetables on top of the rice. You can arrange them separately or mix them, according to taste.
– Pour peanut sauce over the vegetables. Make sure all the vegetables are covered with the sauce.
– Add accompaniments such as fried tempeh, boiled eggs, peanut crackers, and shrimp crackers around the vegetables.
– Pecel Madiun is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Closing
With this easy recipe, you can now recreate the authentic flavors of Pecel Madiun right in your own kitchen. The rich, aromatic peanut sauce combined with fresh, crisp vegetables offers a delightful and satisfying meal that reflects the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine. Whether for a family gathering or a simple home-cooked meal, Pecel Madiun is sure to bring joy to your dining table.
By following these steps, you can experience the beloved taste of Pecel Madiun without having to travel to its hometown. The balance of flavors, textures, and the cultural significance of this dish will surely impress your taste buds. Enjoy the vibrant and savory sensations of Pecel Madiun, and share this classic Indonesian dish with your loved ones!