Lemongrass and Shallot Sambal

(Sambal Serai)

Bali, Indonesia

This gorgeous-tasting, easy-to-make raw sambal originated in Bali. Try to find the freshest, most flavorful lemongrass you can when making it—your best bet may be in deep summer at a farmers’ market that serves a substantial Asian community, where you’re likely to find impeccably fresh, organic lemongrass. M’Bok Wayan, a cook in the Sanur, Bali, home of my friend Mira Alwi (Tanya’s older sister), makes this sambal to accompany grilled meats and fish.

Makes about 1/3 cup (75 g)

1 meaty stalk of fresh lemongrass
2 fresh red Holland chiles or other fresh long or short hot red chiles, such as Fresno or Thai, stemmed and very finely chopped (for a milder sambal, seed the chiles; I prefer not to)
2 shallots, peeled and very finely chopped (about 1 ounce total, 25 g)
3 teaspoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Cut off the hard, brown bottom end and the bristly, greenish top of the lemongrass stalk, which will leave you with a pale, white-and-lilac piece approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) long. Discard the tough outer layers. Slice the lemongrass very thinly, then chop the slices as finely as you can—using a very sharp knife will help you enormously. Chopping lemongrass this thoroughly may take a few extra minutes, but it should be the consistency of sand by the time you’ve finished prepping it. Transfer the lemongrass to a bowl. Make sure that the chiles and shallots are chopped just as finely. Add the chiles, shallots, oil, lime juice, and salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Taste again, and add a pinch more salt if needed.

2. Transfer to a small serving bowl for guests to spoon from directly from and let rest for 10 minutes before eating to allow the flavors to meld.