Petai/Stink Beans Recipes: Versatile Varieties

Petai, also known as Stink Beans, is like the marmite of the food world  -  you either love it or hate it. What divides opinions? Well, for starters, its pungent and long-lasting odor isn't exactly appealing. And let's not forget the aftermath - that distinct smell when you visit the restroom after indulging in petai? Let's just say, it's not for the faint-hearted. But amidst the polarizing views, there are die-hard fans like Ms. Nava from Malaysia, who can't get enough of petai. For her, it's a culinary delight worth savoring.

Yet, there's more to petai than meets the nose. Believe it or not, this humble bean holds a trove of benefits, including detox properties. In today's fast-paced world, where health is the new wealth, people are turning to petai as a quick fix. But is it really the magic bullet?

Sure, petai has its perks, but let's not overlook the importance of holistic health practices like YOGA. In a society where back pain, knee pain, and other ailments are rampant, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. So, while petai might be riding high on its newfound fame, let's remember that true health comes from a balanced lifestyle, not just a single bean.

Petai, or Stink Beans, sparks debates in kitchens worldwide. As opinions clash, the question arises - how do we tackle this culinary conundrum?

Raw Revelations 

Raw petai is a bold choice, often paired with sambal belacan. For enthusiasts like Ms. Nava, this is the ultimate petai experience.

Fried Rice Fusion 
For a flavorful twist, toss petai into fried rice. Whether you prefer it soft or crunchy, adding it in during cooking or as a finishing touch elevates any rice dish.

Savoring Sambal 
Petai finds its true calling in sambal. This fiery chili-based sauce, a staple in Malay cuisine, transforms petai into a delectable dish known as petai sambal.

Understanding Sambal 
Sambal, the heart and soul of Malaysian cuisine, boasts a blend of either dried or fresh chilies, garlic, onion, and belacan. Customize the spice level by adding birds-eye chilies or opt for a vegetarian version sans belacan.

Petai Proportions 
When it comes to petai, there are no strict guidelines. Add as much or as little as your heart desires, letting your taste buds be the ultimate judge.

Ideal Partners 

Pairing petai with complementary ingredients enhances the sambal's flavor profile. Choose between fresh prawns or dried shrimps, squids, dried anchovies/ikan bilis, to create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Herbal Infusions 
Elevate your sambal with choices of fragrant herbs. Spring onions, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves, or Thai basil leaves add depth and complexity to the dish.

Tangy and Sweet Enhancements

To add tangy or sweet notes to your petai sambal, consider incorporating lime juice or tamarind juice for a burst of citrusy freshness. These additions enhance the flavors, while a touch of palm sugar balances the tanginess with subtle sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors that elevate your dish to new heights.

Ms. Nava, presents her signature dish: Easy Anchovies Petai, or Petai Bilis Masak Senang. Let's dive into the ingredients and method to unveil the secrets of this savory delight.

Ingredients 
5 tablespoons of ikan bilis (anchovies) - soaked and rinsed thoroughly to remove any tiny bones. 
1 large onion 
5 birds-eye chilies (cili padi) or red chilies, as needed 
1 small bunch of petai (stink beans), beans only 
3 boiled eggs, chopped 
Lime or lemon juice, as needed 
3 tablespoons of oil 
Salt, to taste

Method 

Begin by roughly pounding the petai with the ikan bilis, onion, and chilies. You can choose to pound them together or separately, depending on your preference. Set aside once done.
Heat oil in a pan and add the pounded ingredients. Saute them over low heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. 
Once the mixture is fragrant and slightly softened, add the chopped boiled eggs, lime or lemon juice, and salt to taste.
Stir-fry the ingredients for just a few minutes, ensuring they are well combined and heated through.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, dish out your Easy Anchovies Petai and prepare to indulge in a burst of flavors. 

While Ms. Nava's Easy Anchovies Petai steals the spotlight, there's petai sambal variations waiting to be explored. Let's delve into some exciting options to elevate your culinary adventures.

Prawn Petai Sambal/Sambal Udang Petai 
Introducing fresh prawns into the mix transforms ordinary petai sambal into a seafood sensation. Enhance the aroma with lemongrass (serai) during cooking and add a sprinkle of spring onions for the perfect finishing touch.

Squid Sotong Sambal/Sambal Sotong Petai

Incorporate squids into the sambal paste for a fragrant twist with kaffir lime leaves. Enhance the texture by adding onion rings during sautéing instead of blending or pounding onions into the paste.

Dry Style Petai Anchovies Sambal/Sambal Bilis Petai 
Option 1 
Fry the sambal paste until it's delightfully dry, then introduce fried anchovies for a crunchy twist. 
Option 2 
Incorporate soaked and rinsed anchovies directly into the cooking process, eliminating the need for frying, without compromising on flavor.

Dry Shrimps/Dry Prawns Petai Sambal/Sambal Udang Kering Petai 
Option 1 
Elevate your dish by adding soaked, rinsed, lightly pounded, and lightly fried dry shrimps towards the end of cooking.
Option 2 
Infuse the sambal paste with soaked, rinsed, and lightly pounded dry shrimps from the start, for a robust flavor profile.

Eggs for Petai Sambal 
Boiled or fried eggs can be a delightful addition to any type of petai sambal, adding richness and texture to the dish.

But why stop there? With Ms. Nava's guidance and options at your disposal, why not craft your own unique version of petai sambal? After all, cooking is not just about following recipes but about embracing creativity and innovation. So, let your imagination run wild and embark on a culinary journey that's as vibrant and diverse as you are. Here's to Happy Petai Sambal Cooking.