Petty Pandean-Elliott's Indonesian Vegetarian Recipes for Winter Comfort
Rooted in the rich traditions of Indonesian cuisine yet delivered with a contemporary twist, these plant-based dishes by Petty Pandean-Elliott offer simplicity, comfort, and bold flavours. Perfect for the colder months, they showcase how classic recipes can evolve while staying true to their nourishing origins.
The Rise of Tempeh in British Kitchens
Tempeh, originally from Java, has seen a surge in popularity across British supermarkets and home kitchens in recent years. Particularly favoured by vegetarians and vegans, this natural, fermented protein source has been widely praised by nutritionists and scientists for its health benefits. Indonesian tempeh, with its distinctive nutty and mushroomy flavour, excels at absorbing spices, creating deeply layered and comforting dishes that honour Indonesia's plant-based culinary heritage. The recipes featured here are straightforward to prepare, using familiar ingredients, yet they deliver an explosion of authentic taste.
Winter Gado Gado: A Warm and Hearty Salad
Often craved during the winter season, gado gado is traditionally a warm salad generously coated in a rich, spicy peanut sauce. This version introduces a comforting twist by incorporating warm tofu, tempeh, tender vegetables, and eggs. It serves as a fresh interpretation of a beloved national dish, reminding us that even time-honoured classics can adapt and thrive. The peanut sauce can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated before serving, making meal preparation more convenient.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients for Winter Gado Gado
- Seasoning mix: garlic, ground coriander, shallot, salt
- Gado gado: firm tofu, tempeh, new potatoes, celeriac, eggs, french beans, cabbage, carrot, beansprouts, crispy shallots, rice crackers (optional)
- Peanut sauce: red bird's eye chillies, garlic, coconut sugar, peanut butter, tamarind paste, salt
Method Overview
- Combine the seasoning mix ingredients, marinate tofu and tempeh for 10 minutes.
- Boil potatoes and celeriac, cook eggs separately, then peel.
- Cook the marinated tofu mixture with vegetables in the same pan.
- Prepare the peanut sauce by simmering all ingredients until smooth.
- Arrange vegetables, potatoes, and eggs on a platter, top with crispy shallots, and serve warm with peanut sauce and optional rice crackers.
Pearl Barley, Pea, and Tempeh Coconut Curry
Pearl barley, known as jali-jali in Indonesia, is a nutritious and versatile grain traditionally used in sweet porridges, especially on Sumatra. However, one of Petty Pandean-Elliott's favourite preparations is in a savoury, hearty one-pot curry with tempeh. The barley's chewy texture and mild, nutty flavour absorb Indonesian spices beautifully, providing a wholesome base. Tempeh adds bite and rich umami, while the coconut-based broth infused with chillies, lemongrass, and makrut lime leaves delivers authentic, comforting flavours. This dish exemplifies how Indonesian ingredients can innovate while bridging tradition and modernity.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients for Pearl Barley Curry
- Coconut oil, banana shallots, garlic, red bird's eye chillies, large red chillies, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, ground coriander, ground turmeric, pearl barley, salt, black pepper, tempeh, coconut milk, frozen peas, fresh spinach, rice for serving
Method Overview
- Heat coconut oil, sauté shallots and garlic, then add chillies, lemongrass, lime leaves, coriander, and turmeric.
- Rinse pearl barley, add to the pan with water, bring to a boil, season, add tempeh, and simmer until barley is tender.
- Stir in coconut milk, add peas, bring to a boil, then mix in spinach and cook briefly.
- Remove lemongrass and lime leaves, season to taste, and serve with rice.
These recipes are adapted from The Indonesian Vegetarian Table by Petty Pandean-Elliott, published by Phaidon. They highlight the versatility and depth of Indonesian vegetarian cooking, offering comforting meals perfect for winter dining.
