Spicy Plecing Kangkung with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) water spinach (kangkung), washed and trimmed 500g (1.1 lb) water spinach (kangkung), washed and trimmed
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar, grated 1 tablespoon palm sugar, grated
• 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts, crushed 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts, crushed
• Lime wedges, for garnish Lime wedges, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
2. 2.
   Blanch the water spinach in the boiling water for 1 minute. Remove and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
3. 3.
   In a mortar and pestle, grind the chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, combine the chili paste, lime juice, palm sugar, and salt. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
5. 5.
   Arrange the blanched water spinach on a serving plate. Drizzle the sambal dressing over the greens.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the dish.
7. 7.
   Garnish with lime wedges.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Water spinach (kangkung) — Make sure to trim the tough ends of the stems before blanching. This will ensure a tender and enjoyable texture.
• Shrimp paste — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of shrimp paste or omit it entirely. However, shrimp paste adds a unique umami taste to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few slices of bird's eye chili to the sambal dressing.
• If water spinach is not available, you can substitute it with other leafy greens such as spinach or kale.
• Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or reduce the amount for a milder version.
• To save time, you can prepare the sambal dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve the Spicy Plecing Kangkung with steamed rice or as a refreshing side dish to grilled fish or chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Plecing Kangkung as a side dish alongside your favorite Indonesian main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even vegetarian dishes. The vibrant colors and bold flavors of this dish make it an eye-catching addition to any meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the blanched water spinach neatly on a serving plate, ensuring that the vibrant green color is visible. Drizzle the sambal dressing over the greens, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the dish for added texture. Garnish with lime wedges to provide a pop of color and freshness.