Sayur asem


A delightful combination of uniquely Javanese vegetables in a tangy broth. Bp. Wakidi says it's a perfect food for a lazy, hot afternoon meal at home.

2 bulbs of asem muda [fresh tamarind] (clean off the brown, smack open with back of knife)
1 tsp asem tua [mature tamarind]
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white sugar
2 cloves garlic, sliced
5–6 cups water

¾ cup melinjo
½ cup raw peanuts
¾ cup baby corn, chopped
½ cup long beans, chopped
½ cup bamboo shoots, sliced into long pieces
½ cup young jackfruit, sliced
½ cup kates (young papaya leaves), sliced
2 long green chilis (cut in half lengthwise, remove seeds, slice diagonally)

  1. Boil water together with spices
  2. Add vegetables
  3. Simmer until vegetables are tender
  4. To serves, scoop out vegetables onto a bed of rice. Eat with lots of sambal tomat and tahu/tempe/ayam goreng.
Serves 2–3