Sambal Belacan, Malaysian spicy chili dip to have with fried fish and rice.



Better late than never!
The photos were taken in early June and were supposed to be posted last week along with the video... however, I did not manage to do so, because of .. shall we say 'teething problems' in video shooting.

I was about to edit the shoot, lo and behold!!!! to my dismay, the video looked like it was shot on a boat...swaying from side to side! I'd be suffering from a bout of seasickness, if I were to proceed with it :(

Left with no alternative but to go for take 2



I do not mind if I were to re-take and re-make this chili dip/ sambal belacan every day. I love sambal belacan, especially during cold winter days...it warms up my tummy ;P

This sambal/chili dip is one of the must-haves in most Malaysian households. It works like an appetizer, even though we usually have it alongside our main meal.

I usually served sambal belacan with deep-fried fish and sliced cucumber and of course hot steamed rice drizzled with some kicap manis :D
Or have my sambal belacan with soy sauce braised chicken!

In the good 'old days', before all sorts of cooking gadgets ’that make our life easier' flooded into the market, sambal belacan was prepared by pounding chilies using mortar and pestle.
If you hear ‘ketung-ketang’... echoing in your neighbourhood, yes that is the sound of music from mortar and pestle, and you’d know what your neighbour could possibly have for lunch that day ;P

Even though preparing sambal, the traditional way makes it all ‘authentic’...
I personally prefer to use the food processor, less mess... to eliminate the possibility of getting my eye ‘burned’ from the odd chili splatter... that one tiny splatter could ruin your day!!!

If you insist on preparing the ‘authentic’ way, I strongly suggest.... put on your safety goggles!!! :D
and wear gloves when handling the chillies... not a nice feeling too when your 'other’ sensitive anatomy get in contact with hands that handled chillies :(



Hope you enjoy my short video on making Malaysian favourites :D