Sometimes a dish turns out so well that I can hardly believe I've survived in this world without making it a part of my regular culinary vocabulary. This is one such dish, or sidedish I should say: kerabu timun, or Malay cucumber salad prepared with a kerabu dressing (coconut, chili pepper, dried shrimp, and lime juice).
Similar in some ways to Korean kimchi, this might be better described as a tropical kimchi as it is prepared with ingredients entirely lacking from Korean fare. This flavor combination was so robust and refreshing... I just loved it.
1. Dry roast 2 tps grated or dried coconut flakes. Add to a mortar together with 3 tps dried shrimp (after soaking water). Crush/mix with pestle.
2. To the mixture now add 6 fresh red chili peppers with seeds removed. Mix. Also add 1 tsp dried shrimp paste, pan roasted without oil. Mix. Add fresh cucumber pieces into this mixture.
3. In another bowl, add the juice of two limes, 1tsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix and add to the cucumber mixture just before serving.
Comments
Tropical Korean kimchi sounds very interesting.
What did you have it with?Some rice?
Posted by: KT | May 15, 2006 04:39 AM
Hi KT: gosh, now I can't remember! But I do remember it was pretty yummy... very different. I'll make this again and surprise my Malay friend next time he comes over.
Posted by: Evil Jonny | May 15, 2006 06:29 AM
sorry to write this here but i have changed e-mail adress so here's my new one
laurentgarcia69@wanadoo.fr
did not receive your e-mail about the seeds ..
thanks again and love your pictures...
Garance
Posted by: garance | May 15, 2006 07:15 AM
nice to know some friend
Posted by: thanh | August 10, 2006 08:07 AM
usually, kerabu timun (also known as Acar Timun here in Malaysia) goes very well with Nasi Bukhari (its a middle east cuisine, i guess? im sure u know better, aite?)
u should try another recipe for Acar. its the simplest but yummy acar in the world. just grab some cucumber, carrot, chili, onion and tomato. cut them into medium cubes. mix altogether with vinegar, sugar and salt. done! =)
oh yeah, this acar is also a side dish for Nasi Bukhari and Nasi Tomato.
Posted by: lestat | January 13, 2007 08:07 AM