Karedok

About Karedok

Karedok is a traditional Indonesian salad that hails from the Sundanese region of West Java. This refreshing and raw vegetable dish is similar to Gado-Gado but is unique in that it utilizes fresh unblanched vegetables, making it a crisp and vibrant choice for a salad. The dish is famously seasoned with a spicy peanut sauce that provides a rich and flavorful kick, balancing the freshness of the vegetables with a deep, nutty flavor.

Historical Background

The origins of Karedok can be traced back to the Sundanese people, the largest ethnic group in West Java. Known for their love of fresh and raw vegetables, Sundanese cuisine is distinguishable by its lightness, freshness, and emphasis on raw ingredients. Karedok represents these qualities by combining various crunchy vegetables with a traditional peanut dressing which has been enjoyed for generations. Originally, Karedok was a dish served during family gatherings and traditional occasions, taking advantage of readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of sliced cucumber
• 1 cup of shredded cabbage
• 1 cup of bean sprouts
• ½ cup of sliced yardlong beans
• ½ cup of sliced eggplant (preferably Thai eggplants)
• ¼ cup of Thai basil leaves
• ½ cup of sliced carrot
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 red chili peppers, seeded
• 1 inch of fresh galangal, grated
• 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste, roasted
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
• 3 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Preparation

Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Wash and slice the cucumber, shred the cabbage, and slice the yardlong beans. It's crucial to keep all vegetables crisp and fresh because the essence of Karedok lies in the crunch of these raw ingredients. Slice the eggplant, ensuring the pieces are small enough to easily toss with the other ingredients. Take care with the bean sprouts too, giving them a quick wash and letting them dry.

Making the Peanut Sauce

For the peanut dressing, start by gently roasting the peanuts if you're using them whole instead of peanut butter, then grind them into a coarse powder. If you use peanut butter, simply combine it with roasted shrimp paste, palm sugar, and lime juice in a pestle and mortar. Crush the mixture until it's a smooth paste. Add the grated galangal, minced garlic, and salt to taste. Continue mixing until the sauce is silky yet has a bit of texture for that authentic feel.

Instructions for Assembling Karedok

1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, cabbage, bean sprouts, yardlong beans, eggplant, and carrot.
2. Tear some Thai basil leaves and add them to the vegetable mix. This adds a fragrant herbaceous layer to the salad.
3. Pour the prepared spicy peanut sauce over the mixed vegetables.
4. Toss everything together gently to make sure the sauce evenly coats all the vegetables.
5. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest crunch.

Tips for Enjoyment

Karedok is best enjoyed fresh. It makes a delightful accompaniment to any Sundanese meal or can be a standalone dish for a light lunch. Pair it with steamed rice or rice cakes for an authentic touch. For spice lovers, adding additional chopped chili can elevate the heat. For those new to Sundanese cuisine, Karedok offers a vibrant introduction to the refreshing and natural flavors characteristic of the region.

Don't forget to time your preparation using a cooking timer to ensure the vegetables stay crisp and the flavors well-balanced. Enjoy this taste of Indonesia with friends and family, sharing the freshness and vitality that Karedok brings to your dining table.