Try this Indonesian vegan gado-gado salad recipe
Gado-Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad that combines a variety of vegetables with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Originating from Indonesia, this dish is celebrated for its delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's popular among both vegetarians and vegans. It's not just a salad; it's a meal in itself, packed with nutrients and vibrant colors. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For the salad, gather 200 grams of tofu, 150 grams of green beans, two carrots, one cucumber, 200 grams of bean sprouts, and two potatoes. For the sauce, arrange for one cup of roasted peanuts, two cloves of garlic, one teaspoon of tamarind paste, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of lime juice, two tablespoons of brown sugar, salt, and half a cup of water.
Prepare the vegetables
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Boil the green beans and carrots in lightly salted water until they are tender but still crisp. This should take about three to four minutes. Drain them and set aside to cool. Similarly, boil the potatoes until they are cooked through but not falling apart. Once cooled down enough to handle comfortably, cut them into cubes.
Make the peanut sauce
For the peanut sauce, blend roasted peanuts, garlic, tamarind paste, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, and water in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the water for desired consistency. Taste and tweak the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors to suit your preference. This step is crucial for achieving the dish's signature taste.
Assemble the salad
For the assembly, take a large platter and artistically arrange the boiled vegetables, cucumber slices, bean sprouts, and fried tofu cubes. Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce generously over the platter, ensuring every component gets a good coating. Serve extra sauce on the side for those who might want an additional amount. This step brings together all the flavors and textures.
Serve immediately
Gado-Gado is best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately after assembling. This ensures that the textures remain distinct and the crispness is preserved. If you're looking to add more protein, consider adding slices of boiled egg, though keep in mind that this would no longer be a vegan option. Enjoy your colorful and nutritious Indonesian vegan gado-gado salad.
