sambal
[ SAHM-bahl ]
Popular throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and southern India, a sambal is a multipurpose
CONDIMENT. Its most basic form is sambal oelek, a simple mixture of
CHILES, brown sugar and salt. Another popular blend is sambal bajak (or badjak), which adds
candlenutS, garlic,
kaffir lime leaves, onion,
TRASSI,
GALANGAL,
TAMARIND concentrate and
COCONUT MILK. Sambals have a multitude of variations, however, depending on the ingredients added, which can include coconut, meat, seafood or vegetables. Sambals are usually served as an accompaniment to rice and curried dishes, either as a
CONDIMENT or as a side dish. Sambal oelek and bajak, as well as some variations, can be found in Indonesian and some Chinese markets.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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