Lita Eats

Bumbu dasar oranye (orange base seasoning) is not as commonly known or established as the other traditional Indonesian base pastes like bumbu dasar merah (red), bumbu dasar kuning (yellow), or bumbu dasar putih (white). However, it is a term that some Indonesian cooks use to describe a base seasoning that involves a blend of ingredients leading to an orange-coloured paste. Specific regional recipes sometimes refer to this variation or describe it as a creative combination of existing bumbu elements. You could view Bumbu Dasar Oranye as a hybrid between Bumbu Dasar Kuning and Bumbu Dasar Merah, combining the earthiness of turmeric and the heat of red chillies, resulting in an orange-coloured paste. It’s less spicy than Bumbu Dasar Merah, but more vibrant and aromatic than Bumbu Dasar Putih.

Bumbu dasar oranye, a unique Indonesian spice, can be used as a base for dishes with a richer, balanced flavor, ranging from strong spiciness to earthiness. It can be used in stews and curries with meat, chicken, or fish, providing a bright marinade for grilled or fried meats like ayam bakar or ikan goreng, and in vegetable dishes like urap, adding color and complexity with the orange seasoning.

Ingredients

• 300g Red chillies
• 150g Garlic 
• 450g Shallots 
• 50g Turmeric 
• 20g Galangal (lengkuas)
• 100g Candlenuts 
• 20g Ginger
• 350ml Cooking oil
• 2 tbs ground coriander seeds 
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground white pepper 
• 1 tbs salt 
• 1 tbs sugar 

Methods

1. Blending: The red chillies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, galagal, candlenuts, ginger, and cooking oil are usually blended or ground into a smooth paste.
2. Sautéing: From the blender, transfer it directly to the pan. Add ground coriander seeds, cumin, white pepper, salt and sugar and mix it up. The paste is then sautéed until fragrant and changes color. This step brings out the flavors and intensifies the aroma of the paste.
3. Storing: After sautéing, put it in a glass container or jar, wait until it cools before closing it. The paste can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks or frozen for longer use.