A flavorful fusion of Indonesian spices and British produce comes together in Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for Leek and Tempeh Manis. The dish is a masterclass in balance, where each component complements the others to create a harmonious whole.
The star of the show is tempeh, a fermented soybean product that boasts an impressive protein profile, rich flavor, and satisfying texture – all hallmarks of meaty ingredients. Its Indonesian roots are proudly on display, as it's cooked in a traditional way: crispy-fried, then slathered in a sticky sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) infused with the deep heat of sambal oelek.
Leeks add a welcome freshness to the dish, their subtle sweetness offsetting the pungency of the fermented tempeh. A simple yet effective prep process involves rinsing and soaking the sliced leeks in cold water, which helps remove excess moisture and brings out their natural sweetness.
The resulting flavors are nothing short of magic. The crispy tempeh provides a satisfying crunch, while the sweet soy sauce and sambal oelek create a spicy-sweet synergy that elevates the dish to new heights. A sprinkle of toasted peanuts adds a delightful textural element, drawing together all the disparate parts.
To make this recipe work, shoppers will need to track down a few specialty ingredients – kecap manis, sambal oelek, and makrut lime leaves, for example. However, with a little effort, the payoff is well worth it. And because leeks are readily available in most supermarkets, the only true anomaly is their inclusion – a happy accident that adds to the dish's allure.
Ultimately, Meera Sodha's Leek and Tempeh Manis is a testament to the power of creative fusion cuisine. By combining familiar flavors with exotic spices, this vegan recipe creates something entirely new yet strangely comforting. Whether you're an adventurous home cook or just looking for inspiration, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.
The star of the show is tempeh, a fermented soybean product that boasts an impressive protein profile, rich flavor, and satisfying texture – all hallmarks of meaty ingredients. Its Indonesian roots are proudly on display, as it's cooked in a traditional way: crispy-fried, then slathered in a sticky sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) infused with the deep heat of sambal oelek.
Leeks add a welcome freshness to the dish, their subtle sweetness offsetting the pungency of the fermented tempeh. A simple yet effective prep process involves rinsing and soaking the sliced leeks in cold water, which helps remove excess moisture and brings out their natural sweetness.
The resulting flavors are nothing short of magic. The crispy tempeh provides a satisfying crunch, while the sweet soy sauce and sambal oelek create a spicy-sweet synergy that elevates the dish to new heights. A sprinkle of toasted peanuts adds a delightful textural element, drawing together all the disparate parts.
To make this recipe work, shoppers will need to track down a few specialty ingredients – kecap manis, sambal oelek, and makrut lime leaves, for example. However, with a little effort, the payoff is well worth it. And because leeks are readily available in most supermarkets, the only true anomaly is their inclusion – a happy accident that adds to the dish's allure.
Ultimately, Meera Sodha's Leek and Tempeh Manis is a testament to the power of creative fusion cuisine. By combining familiar flavors with exotic spices, this vegan recipe creates something entirely new yet strangely comforting. Whether you're an adventurous home cook or just looking for inspiration, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.
I think it's awesome that Meera Sodha is experimenting with Indonesian spices and British produce to create something totally unique! 
Tempeh as the star of the show? Genius! 
The addition of leeks really makes the dish pop, adds a nice freshness... 
Now I'm craving some crispy tempeh goodness 
i was skeptical about using sambal oelek but trust me it's a game changer 
makes you wonder how you ever lived without it 
gonna make this again ASAP 
but I gotta say, tempeh is like the unsung hero here... never knew it could be so flavorful 
. Still, worth the effort, sounds like a game changer for vegan recipes 
. The addition of toasted peanuts takes it to a whole new level 
. Just gotta find those specialty ingredients... not easy, but worth it 
! Like, it's fermented soybean product that's literally packed with protein and flavor, and nobody gives it the love it deserves. And don't even get me started on kecap manis - that sweet soy sauce is a game-changer 
The addition of leeks is also a great touch, they balance out the richness of the tempeh perfectly. And can we talk about how easy the prep process is? 
. And let's not forget the leeks - they're like the calm in the storm, soothing and fresh 
. The takeaway here is that sometimes we need to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to find that perfect blend. It's all about embracing change and finding harmony within ourselves."
! The only thing that would make this recipe even better is if Meera Sodha shared her secrets for finding those specialty ingredients at our local grocery stores