Sayur Asem (spicy And Sour Tamarind Soup)

Sayur Asem is a traditional Indonesian soup from the Manado cuisine, known for its spicy and sour flavors. This refreshing and tangy soup is perfect for a warm day or as a side dish to complement a main meal.

Sayur Asem (spicy And Sour Tamarind Soup)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 100g chayote, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 100g corn kernels
  • 100g yardlong beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 100g cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 3 red chilies, sliced
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 50g tamarind pulp, soaked in 1/2 cup water and strained
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the chayote, corn, yardlong beans, and cabbage. Cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, red chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Add the tamarind juice, salt, and palm sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g
Protein
5g
Fat
7g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Cutting board Measuring spoons

Tools

Serving bowls Soup ladle

Serving suggestions

Serve the Sayur Asem hot as a side dish with steamed rice or as a light meal on its own.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier kick, add more red chilies or a dash of chili flakes. Adjust the tamarind and sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sour and sweet flavors.

Cost

$10