She Strengthens

Flavors of Malaysia: A Rich and Savory Potato Casserole

Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of coconut cream, the spiciness of sambal, and the comforting taste of potatoes. Look no further! This Malaysian-inspired potato casserole is a flavorful delight that will leave you craving for more.

The Secret to a Rich Sambal

The key to this dish lies in the sambal, a spicy paste made from onions, tomatoes, ground chiles, fish sauce, and palm sugar. This unrefined brown sugar, also known as jaggery, adds a depth of flavor that will elevate your dish to new heights. Coconut cream, thicker and richer than coconut milk, brings a luscious texture to the sauce, coating every morsel of potato.

A Meal to Remember

Serve this casserole alongside a roasted chicken and steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.

Essential Cooking Tools

A large capacity pot with a strainer lid is a must-have for this recipe. It ensures even cooking and makes draining the water a breeze. Look for a non-stick pot that cleans up quickly, making cooking and cleaning a hassle-free experience.

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, washed and peeled
• 1/2 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 cup sambal oelek chili paste, or 6 fresh red jalapeños
• 6 tablespoons peanut oil or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce, or to taste
• 4 tablespoons palm sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes in 8 cups of water until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
2. Prepare the spice paste by grinding the onion, tomato, and sambal oelek in a food processor until smooth.
3. Heat the peanut or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
4. Add the coconut cream, water, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes to the skillet and stir gently to coat with the sambal. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the cooked potatoes in a casserole dish and top with the cooked spice paste. Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

Turn off the heat and carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Serve warm and indulge in the rich flavors of Malaysia.