Sayur Lodeh (Javanese Vegetables in Coconut Milk)
In short: Chayote, long beans, eggplant, cabbage and fried tofu simmered in a mild, golden coconut milk broth scented with galangal, bay leaf and chili. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Sayur lodeh is Java's everyday vegetable stew, a mild, golden broth of coconut milk with whatever vegetables are in season. It is eaten with rice and something crunchy, such as fried tempeh or crackers. Chayote, long beans, eggplant and cabbage are common, and fried tofu adds body. Cook it gently so the coconut milk stays smooth, and serve it warm rather than boiling hot.
Instructions
- Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, chilies, coriander, turmeric and shrimp paste into a smooth paste.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Fry the paste for 4 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and slightly darker.
- Add the water, bay leaves and galangal. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the chayote and eggplant and simmer for 6 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in the coconut milk, stirring so it does not split.
- Add the long beans, cabbage and tofu. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender.
- Stir in the sugar and salt, taste and adjust. Serve warm with rice, fried tempeh or crackers and sambal.
Tips
- Fry the tofu first so it does not break apart in the sauce. For a vegetarian stew, leave out the shrimp paste and add a splash of gluten-free tamari for savoriness.
- Use firm vegetables that hold their shape. Young jackfruit, pumpkin and pumpkin leaves are traditional alternatives to chayote and cabbage.
Questions and answers
Why does my coconut milk split?
It usually splits when it boils hard or is stirred too little at the start. Add it on low heat, stir for the first minute and keep the stew at a gentle simmer.
Can I make sayur lodeh the day before?
Yes. It keeps for 2 days in the fridge, and the flavor deepens. Reheat gently and add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it.
Is sayur lodeh spicy?
It is mild to medium. Remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer for a gentler stew, or add extra and serve sambal on the side.
How long does it take to make Sayur Lodeh (Javanese Vegetables in Coconut Milk)?
About 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sayur Lodeh (Javanese Vegetables in Coconut Milk)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 19 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
