Cambodian Samlar Machu
Samlar Machu is a popular Cambodian dish, both as a stew and a soup. The flavor base is the traditional Cambodian kroeung spice blend that includes lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves. The addition of tamarind and lime in combination with fish sauce creates a slightly sour-salt note. Adapt the recipe to your taste with chicken, fish, or tofu, and vegetables of your choice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lbs chicken breast or thighs cut into 1/2-inch pieces (see notes)
Fresh Produce
- 4 cups chopped vegetables Bok choy, mushrooms, eggplant, bamboo shoots, baby kale, and/ or bell peppers
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated
- 1 lime or lemon for juice
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 2-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- oil
- salt & pepper
Samlar Machu Culinary Spice Kit
- Lemongrass, tamarind, galangal, turmeric, chili, makrut lime
Optional
- fish sauce or anchovy paste to taste
- fresh chili pepper thinly sliced
Suggested Sides
- 3 cups steamed or boiled rice
Instructions
- In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Stir fry shallots until translucent.
- Add garlic, chicken, and Samlar Machu spices. Stir for about 3 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of broth, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a soup, add the remaining broth as well.
- Optionally, add fresh chili, and fish sauce or anchovy paste.
- Bring to a boil.
- Turn heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add vegetables.
- Continue to cook for about 10 minutes until all ingredients are tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with lime juice and salt and pepper.
- Serve soup and rice in separate bowls.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Instead of chicken, add cubed firm tofu or fish fillets (e. g. snapper, cod, or tilapia, cut into 1-inch strips) together with the vegetables.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!
