The History of Gado-Gado and Its Traditional Recipe

Food is a powerful tool that helps to convey culture and history of a place. Indonesia, being one of the most diverse countries in the world, offers an array of culinary experiences that are unique and delicious. One such dish is Gado-Gado, which belongs to the Indonesian archipelago of Java. The dish’s name translates to meaning ‘mix-mix’ as it is a medley of assorted vegetables, served with a spicy peanut sauce. The dish is a delicacy in Indonesia and has managed to gain global attention due to its rich flavors and nutritional value.

The dish originated from the Javanese community and was served during their traditional celebratory occasions. Gado-Gado over the years has undergone variations and modifications, but the basic recipe has remained unchanged. The dish is considered to be a nutritious dish that provides a balanced meal containing proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Its popularity can be attributed to its versatility, as it can be served as a side dish or a complete meal depending on the situation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup boiled potatoes
• 1 cup boiled green beans
• 1 cup boiled carrots
• 1 cup fried tofu
• Fried shrimp crackers

For the Peanut Sauce

• 1 cup peanuts, roasted
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• 3 red chilies
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 shallots
• 1 tsp tamarind paste, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the peanuts until they become golden brown and set aside.
2. In a blender, blend together peanuts, red chilies, shallots, and garlic.
3. Add the soaked tamarind, palm sugar, and salt to the blender and blend until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a boil on a low flame. Stir consistently to avoid the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add water while stirring until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
6. In a deep bowl, add the shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, boiled potatoes, boiled carrots, boiled green beans, and fried tofu.
7. Pour the peanut sauce on top of the vegetables and mix well.
8. Serve with fried shrimp crackers.

As a note, the recipe can be customized to personal preferences and availability. Gado-Gado is best enjoyed with the addition of shrimp crackers for that crunchy texture.

From its humble origins as a celebratory dish, Gado-Gado has managed to become Indonesia’s national dish. It is easy to recreate and offers an explosion of flavors and textures to the palate, making it no surprise that the dish remains popular in 2021 and will continue to be in the future.