Gado gado

Gado gado is one of the best introductory Indonesian dishes for Westerners. It is basically a salad comprised of raw and cooked ingredients with a peanut sauce. Given the American obsession with peanut butter this dish is sure to impress. In Indonesian, people don’t typically purchase peanut butter, rather they fry peanuts and then grind them to make the sauce. If you are feeling particularly industrious you are welcome to try this variation. Additionally, feel free to switch out some of the vegetables listed for ones that are more seasonal, depending on the time of year. 

Ingredients for Peanut Sauce:

• 1 c peanut butter
  
• ¾ -1 c water
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 small lemon, juiced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp grated ginger
  
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp palm sugar
• 1-2 green chiles, minced
• ¼ tsp galangal (optional)

Procedure:

1. Add everything into a food processor and blend until smooth. Add more water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings. Pour into a bowl and set aside. 

Salad:

• 1 14oz package tofu, cut into triangles
• 2 Tbsp rice bran oil, divided
• 1 12oz package Indonesian style tempeh, sliced
• 3 large carrots, Asian julienne and lightly steamed
• 2 - 3 c of spinach, firmly packed and lightly steamed
• 1 c green beans, halved and steamed
• 2 c sliced green cabbage, lightly packed 
• 1 c mung bean sprouts 
• 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced into wedges (optional)
• 2 limes cut into wedges for serving

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place tofu in a bowl with 1 Tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt. Mix and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in oven and cook for 40-45, until tofu is lightly browned and slightly crispy. Make sure to flip tofu about half-way through baking. Set aside to cool.
3.  Place tempeh in a bowl with the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt. Mix and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, until tempeh is lightly browned and slightly crispy. Make sure to flip about half-way through baking.  Set aside to cool. 

Assembly:

1. Arrange salad components on either individual plates or family style on platters. Serve with a bowl of peanut sauce and lime wedges.
2. Just before serving drizzle with peanut sauce.

Serves 4-6