Celebrate Veggie Month with Indonesian Plant-Based Delights

March is UK Veggie Month, a time to embrace plant-based goodness, explore new flavours, and celebrate the delicious world of vegetables. What better way to do that than by diving into the rich and diverse cuisine of Indonesia? With its vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and creative cooking techniques, Indonesian food offers a feast for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike.

Here are some must-try Indonesian vegetable-based dishes, their origins, and how you can make them at home.

1. Tempeh – Indonesia’s Superfood

Origin: Tempeh hails from Java, Indonesia, and has been a staple in Javanese cuisine for centuries. Made from fermented soybeans, it’s packed with protein, probiotics, and a rich nutty flavour.

How to make it:

• Slice tempeh into pieces and marinate with soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of palm sugar.

• Pan-fry until golden brown or deep-fry for a crispier texture.

• Serve with sambal (Indonesian chilli paste) for an extra kick.

2. Rujak Sayur – Spicy Vegetable Salad

Origin: This refreshing salad is a twist on the classic fruit-based Rujak and is commonly found in Java and Sumatra.

How to make it:

• Mix boiled or raw vegetables such as cucumber, spinach, and bean sprouts.

• Prepare a dressing of tamarind paste, palm sugar, peanuts, and chilli.

• Toss everything together and enjoy a spicy, tangy, and nutty delight.

3. Ketoprak – Tofu and Veggie Delight

Origin: A popular street food from Jakarta, Ketoprak is a delicious combination of vegetables, tofu, and peanut sauce.

How to make it:

• Boil rice vermicelli and bean sprouts.

• Fry tofu until golden and cut into cubes.

• Blend peanuts, garlic, sweet soy sauce, and a bit of lime juice to make a creamy peanut sauce.

• Mix everything together, top with crispy shallots, and enjoy!

4. Sayur Lodeh – Coconut Vegetable Stew

Origin: A classic dish from Central Java, Sayur Lodeh is a comforting coconut milk-based vegetable stew.

How to make it:

• Simmer a mix of vegetables such as chayote, long beans, and carrots in coconut milk.

• Add garlic, shallots, coriander, and turmeric for a fragrant broth.

• Serve with steamed rice for a hearty meal.

5. Bakwan Jagung – Indonesian Corn Fritters

Origin: Found all over Indonesia, these crispy corn fritters are a favourite snack or side dish.

How to make it:

• Mix corn kernels, flour, garlic, and spring onions into a batter.

• Deep-fry until golden and crispy.

• Serve hot with a side of chilli sauce.

These Indonesian veggie delights are just a glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, these dishes are packed with flavour and easy to prepare.

Why not celebrate UK Veggie Month by bringing a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen? Give these recipes a try, share them with friends and family, and enjoy a delicious journey through Indonesian cuisine!