Northern Sulawesi Five-Spice Paste Recipe

Northern Sulawesi Five-Spice Paste Recipe

Ingredients:

250 g shallots, peeled and sliced

120 g garlic, peeled and sliced

120 g ginger, peeled and sliced

200 g candlenuts

10-20 bird's eye chilies, sliced

3 stalks lemon grass, bruised and finely sliced

150 ml vegetable oil

125 ml water

a pinch of salt

 

Method:

Combine all ingredients, except oil, water and salt, in a stone mortar or blender (processor) and grind into a fine paste.  Heat oil in a heavy saucepan, then add paste, water and salt.  Bring to the boil and simmer until all the liquid has evaporated and paste is shiny.  Leave to cool completely before using or storing.

 

Note:  The people of northern Sulawesi would use substantially more chilies than indicated in this recipe, making their dishes fiery hot.  The clean, crisp flavors of this spice paste is delicious when used with pork, chicken and seafood.

 

More Indonesian Recipes