Carrot Sambal (Wortel Sambal)

Engrossed's Note:

From “The Africa Cookbook Tastes of a Continent” by Jessica B. Harris. -South Africa.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb carrot , peeled and medium grated
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 dried hot chili pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , minced
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup distilled white vinegar

Directions:

1. Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods and grind them into a powder in a spice mill along with the dried chile.
2. Place all the ingredients except the vinegar in a 3-quart nonreactive saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
3. Add the vinegar, lower the heat, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until thick. Be sure to stir well so that the sambal doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
4. When the sambal is a thick paste, spoon it out of the saucepan into a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Serve chilled with curries and grilled meats.

Reviews

[Gerry]

We are fond of spicy and really liked this - not having had anything quite like this I can't compare - just know we enjoyed.

[evelyn/athens]

Interesting sambal. I made it up 3 days ago and took it to the beach yesterday, where we had a variety of grilled meats. This is certainly spicy, but not too hot. The traditionalists steered clear, more adventurous types thought it was good.