| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 7g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 6g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Indonesian Porong Water Spinach Salad
A Nod to the East
One of the things I love about the culinary world is its inherent wideness. While my heart will always be nestled between bowls of hearty Irish stews and trays of New England seafood, my range as a chef is inspired by global flavors. This realization brought me to this absolutely delightful Indonesian recipe, the Porong Water Spinach Salad.
A dish as vibrant and layered as the country that inspired it, this recipe actually reminds me a bit of the flavor profiles in my Irish heritage. Bold, unapologetic, with a hint of spice and sweetness – just like the strong characters that filled my grandparents’ kitchens.
Flavors and Remembrance
I first encountered this Porong Water Spinach Salad when I was exploring the spice-laden lanes of Indonesia. I was in search of new flavors and techniques that would allow me to push my culinary boundaries. Of all the exquisite dishes I tried, this salad stood out for its simplicity, yet rich depth of flavor, no doubt due to its bold use of shrimp paste and red chilli.
I found it quite similar to some traditional Irish dishes, where the combination of flavors unveil a story, a memory – much like my grandma’s recipes. After all, every ingredient we add to a dish is a letter in a flavorful story we are writing.
More than just a salad
But don’t let the term ‘salad’ limit your imagination. The Porong Water Spinach Salad is far from your average mix of greens. The water spinach soaks up the garlic and shrimp paste, creating a dynamic symphony that is truly something to behold. A pinch of palm sugar adds a subdued sweetness that beautifully balances out the spice from the chili, while a squeeze of lime gives it that oh-so-craved tanginess. Call it an Indonesian cousin to your usual Caesar salad if you will.
This salad pairs incredibly well with grilled meats, especially chicken. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a BBQ or even a fancy dinner party. I discovered it under the guidance of William Wongso, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated chefs. His amazing repertoire of Indonesian cuisine never ceases to inspire me in my cooking journey.
So there you have it, folks, my humble explanation of why I love this recipe. It’s not just a about great flavor profiles or the discovery of new ingredients, but also the beautiful culinary narratives that come with each dish. Whether in Ireland, Boston, or Indonesia, it’s all about sharing the joy of food with those we care about. That’s the true beauty of being a Gourmet Guru.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of water spinach
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 6 cups of water for boiling
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the water spinach. Wash it thoroughly and cut off the lower, tougher stems. Keep the leaves and the tender upper parts of the stems.
Step Two
Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them. Similarly, chop the red chili pepper after deseeding it.
Step Three
Take a pan and heat the vegetable oil in it. Add the chopped garlic, chili pepper, and shrimp paste into the heated oil. Sauté the mixture until the garlic is golden brown and the shrimp paste is fragrant.
Step Four
Add the palm sugar and salt to the sautéed mixture and stir well until the sugar is fully melted.
Step Five
In a large pot, bring six cups of water to a boil. Immerse the water spinach in the boiling water for about a minute until it wilts slightly. Promptly remove the spinach from the water and transfer it to a strainer to drain off excess water.
Step Six
Transfer the blanched water spinach to a large bowl. Add the sautéed mixture to the spinach along with the freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss well to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste, and add more salt if needed.
Step Seven
Your Porong Water Spinach Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish with your favorite entrée.
