Authentic Indonesian Balado Sauce

red chili peppers

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Bell peppers provide a milder flavor, while cayenne is more accessible.

shallots

🥗Healthier: onions

💰Cheaper: green onions

Onions are more common and less expensive than shallots.

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice is a good substitute, while vinegar can be more affordable.

Prepare 7-10 red chili peppers, removing the seeds if you want less heat.

Soak 10 shallots in warm water for a few minutes to make peeling easier.

Chop 5 cloves of garlic.

Measure 3-5 tablespoons of cooking oil, depending on the dish you will cook with the sauce.

Chop 2 tomatoes, 5 cm of galangal, and prepare lemongrass and 4 kaffir lime leaves.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the chopped tomatoes, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until fragrant.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary