Authentic Indonesian Urap Recipe: A Healthy, Flavorful Salad Delight

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of long beans
  • 1 medium-sized carrot
  • 1 cup of grated coconut
  • 100 grams of spinach
  • 100 grams of bean sprouts
  • 2 pieces of kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 piece of bay leaf
  • 1 lemongrass stalk
  • 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
  • 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 3 pieces of red chilies
  • 5 pieces of shallots
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the long beans and carrot into small pieces.
  2. Blanch the long beans, carrot, spinach, and bean sprouts separately in boiling water and set them aside.
  3. Grind the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste.
  4. In a frying pan, sauté the spice paste, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaf, and lemongrass until fragrant.
  5. Add the grated coconut to the pan and continue to sauté until it turns golden brown.
  6. Add the tamarind paste, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well and cook for another few minutes.
  7. Combine the blanched vegetables and the sautéed spice-coconut mixture in a large bowl. Mix until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the mixture.
  8. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - Used for chopping and cutting vegetables.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the long beans, carrot, and other ingredients.
  • Frying Pan - Used for sautéing the spice paste and coconut.
  • Blanching Pot - Required for blanching the long beans, carrot, spinach, and bean sprouts.
  • Grinder or Mortar and Pestle - Used for grinding the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used for combining the blanched vegetables and sautéed spice-coconut mixture.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon - Handy for stirring and mixing the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute long beans with green beans or snap peas.
  • Replace carrots with bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut.
  • Try different leafy greens such as kale or chard instead of spinach.
  • Experiment with different types of sprouts like mung bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts.
  • Add shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu for a protein option.
  • Include sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
  • For a vegan version, omit the shrimp paste or replace it with a vegan-friendly alternative.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer red chilies.
  • For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lime juice to the mixture.

Recipe overview

Urap is a flavorful and vibrant dish hailing from Indonesia, well-known for its unique blend of textures and flavors. Comprised of a delightful mix of blanched vegetables, it is coated with a tantalizing spice-coconut mixture that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe guides you through the process of preparing Urap, from blanching the vegetables to creating the aromatic spice paste, and finally combining them to create this delicious dish. While it may seem complex, the individual steps are straightforward, and the resulting dish is well worth the effort. Expect a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables complemented by the sweet and spicy coconut dressing. Perfect as a side dish or even a main, Urap is a healthy and satisfying meal to add to your cooking repertoire.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the long beans with another vegetable?
    Yes, you can substitute the long beans with green beans or any other similar vegetable of your choice.
  2. Can I use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut?
    Yes, you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for grated coconut. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
  3. Can I omit the shrimp paste to make it vegetarian?
    Yes, you can omit the shrimp paste to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly. The dish will still be delicious without it.
  4. Is the tamarind paste necessary?
    Yes, tamarind paste provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lime juice or vinegar, but the taste will be slightly different.
  5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
    Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer red chilies according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Urap is a vibrant and flavorful salad dish that hails from the culturally rich and diverse archipelago of Indonesia. Each region of the country lends its unique touch to this beloved dish, with variations in ingredients and flavors. Rooted deeply in traditional Indonesian cuisine, Urap is often served during festive occasions and ceremonies, signifying the communal spirit and bond of togetherness. The preparation of the dish itself is a symphony of teamwork, with members of the household contributing to the chopping of vegetables, grinding of spices, and the final assembly. Each component of Urap speaks of the harmony of nature's bounty, from the freshness of the vegetables to the aromatic spices, and the sweet-savory flavors of the coconut dressing. This dish, with its mix of tastes and textures, embodies the culinary ethos of Indonesia - a celebration of local produce, community spirit, and vibrant flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.