Red Chili Sambal

“Sambal,” a term primarily used in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, is essentially a chili-based condiment. The most common ingredients are chilies, garlic, shallots, and sugar, though many also contain shrimp paste, salt, and tamarind. Bottled versions can now be bought in the US. The Indonesian name for pestle is ulek ulek, this is where makers of chili paste coined the name “sambal ulek,” sometimes spelled “sambal olek.” Removing the veins and seeds from the chilies greatly reduces the