Sambal
Sambal is an indispensable seasoning for spicy food lovers. Whether you want to add a subtle kick to your dish or are looking for an intense spiciness, sambal has it all. At Real Dutch Food, we offer a wide range of different types of sambal that will give your dishes an authentic, spicy boost. Discover more about the versatility of sambal, what sambal is made of, and which sambal is the hottest!
What is sambal made of?
Sambal is traditionally made from ground peppers, often combined with other flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, vinegar and salt. Depending on the type of sambal, additional ingredients can be added, such as shrimp paste (trassi), sugar, lime or tamarind. This unique mix of ingredients creates an intense, spicy flavor that immediately takes your dish to the next level. The basis of sambal lies in the red chili pepper, which provides the characteristic spiciness. However, the preparation method and added spices vary greatly by region and brand, resulting in a wide range of flavors and textures.Types of sambal
There are many different types of sambal, each with their own unique flavor profile and intensity. Below is an overview of the most popular varieties:- Sambal Oelek: This is one of the most well-known types of sambal and is often used as a base in dishes. It is made from pure, ground chili peppers without any additional spices, which provides a clean, spicy flavor.
- Sambal Badjak: This sambal is somewhat milder and sweeter in taste because it is prepared with fried onions and sometimes some sugar. Sambal Badjak is perfect if you like a spicy, but less hot sambal.
- Sambal Manis: As the name suggests, this sambal has a sweeter taste. It contains sugar and sometimes even soy, which adds a deep, rich flavor to your dish without making it too spicy.
- Sambal Trassi: This variant contains shrimp paste, which adds a salty, umami flavor. The combination of chili pepper and trassi creates a powerful flavor that is especially popular in Indonesian cuisine.
- Sambal Brandal: This is a spicier variant of sambal Badjak. It has a rich flavor and a strong kick, ideal for those who like a bit more spice.