Semanggi Suroboyo Recipe

**Semanggi Suroboyo Recipe**

Semanggi Suroboyo, or Surabaya Clover Salad, is a traditional Indonesian dish originating from Surabaya, East Java. This unique salad features boiled clover leaves served with a special peanut and sweet potato sauce, accompanied by crackers. Semanggi Suroboyo is not only a delicious and nutritious dish but also a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.

### History of Semanggi Suroboyo

Semanggi Suroboyo has its roots in the times of the Indonesian National Revolution against Dutch colonial rule in the late 1940s. During the struggle for independence, food was scarce, and people had to rely on available local ingredients. Clover leaves, which grew abundantly in the region, became a staple in the diet of Surabaya's residents. Over time, the dish evolved and became a beloved street food in Surabaya, representing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its people during times of hardship. Today, Semanggi Suroboyo is a cherished culinary tradition that continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

### Ingredients:

- 300 grams of clover leaves (substitute with water spinach or other leafy greens if unavailable)

- 100 grams of sweet potato, boiled and mashed

- 200 grams of peanuts, roasted

- 3 cloves of garlic

- 5 bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)

- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar

- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons of water (adjust as needed for consistency)

- Salt to taste

- Krupuk puli (rice crackers) for serving

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Clover Leaves:** Wash the clover leaves thoroughly. In a pot of boiling water, blanch the clover leaves for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a food processor or mortar and pestle, combine the roasted peanuts, garlic, bird's eye chilies, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and salt. Grind until you get a smooth paste. Add the mashed sweet potato and water, blending until the sauce reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. **Serve the Dish:** Arrange the blanched clover leaves on a serving plate. Pour the peanut and sweet potato sauce over the top. Serve with krupuk puli (rice crackers) on the side for dipping or scooping.

4. **Enjoy:** Semanggi Suroboyo is best enjoyed immediately while the ingredients are fresh. The combination of tender clover leaves with the rich, flavorful sauce and crispy crackers creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

### Nutritional Benefits

Semanggi Suroboyo is a nutritious dish, offering a good source of vitamins and minerals from the clover leaves, healthy fats and protein from the peanuts, and carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes. It is a balanced meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.

### Cultural Significance

Semanggi Suroboyo is more than just a traditional dish; it is a symbol of the spirit and resilience of the people of Surabaya. Passed down through generations, this dish remains a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Indonesians during times of adversity. Today, Semanggi Suroboyo is celebrated at various cultural festivals and events, keeping the rich culinary heritage of Surabaya alive.