How to Make Bumbu Kalasan: A Deliciously Authentic Indonesian Peanut Sauce

Bumbu Kalasan, also known as sambal kacang, is a beloved Indonesian peanut sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a burst of flavor to countless dishes. Imagine a creamy, nutty sauce coating your favorite grilled chicken skewers, or bringing a rich complexity to your next plate of gado-gado. That’s the magic of Bumbu Kalasan. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, ensuring you can recreate this iconic Indonesian flavor right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to gather to make your own Bumbu Kalasan:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)
• 4-6 red chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small red onion
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or palm sugar for a more authentic flavor)
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi) – optional but recommended for umami
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 kaffir lime leaf (optional, adds a citrusy aroma)

Garnishing (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro or fried shallots

Ingredients for Bumbu Kalasan

Tools of the Trade

• Blender or food processor
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Serving bowl

Let’s Make Bumbu Kalasan

1. Toast the peanuts: If your peanuts aren’t already roasted, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before grinding.
2. Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, chilies, garlic, red onion, brown sugar, and shrimp paste (if using). Add about half of the water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Simmer for depth: Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan. Add the remaining water, ground coriander, cumin, and kaffir lime leaf (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
4. Find your perfect consistency: Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will become. Add more water if needed to adjust the consistency.
5. Taste and adjust: Season generously with salt and add more brown sugar if needed to balance the flavors. Remember, the sauce should have a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• “For a smoother Bumbu Kalasan, soak the chilies in hot water for about 10 minutes before blending. This helps remove some of their skins, resulting in a more velvety texture,” advises Chef Budi, a renowned Indonesian chef known for his authentic dishes.
• If you don’t have shrimp paste or prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for umami.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.

Step-by-step process of making Bumbu Kalasan

Serving and Storing Your Bumbu Kalasan

Presentation is Key

• Simple Elegance: Serve your Bumbu Kalasan in a small bowl alongside your main dish.
• Drizzle it On: Drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken, tofu, tempeh, or vegetables for an extra flavor boost.
• Dipping Delight: Serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, satay, or even french fries!

Enjoy It Fresh or Save Some for Later

• Fresh is Best: Bumbu Kalasan is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

Bumbu Kalasan: Your Gateway to Indonesian Cuisine

Bumbu Kalasan is more than just a sauce; it’s an essential element of Indonesian cuisine. Its versatility shines through in countless dishes, from the vibrant salad Gado-gado to the comforting stew Ketoprak. Try it with grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a base for your next curry. Once you experience the symphony of flavors in Bumbu Kalasan, you’ll be inspired to explore even more Indonesian culinary delights.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and create your own batch of this amazing Indonesian peanut sauce. Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your Bumbu Kalasan adventures.