Sambal Matah

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics
   Thinly slice the shallots, bird's eye chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and garlic. Place them all in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Toast the shrimp paste
   Heat a small pan over medium heat. Place the shrimp paste in the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, let it cool, then crumble it into the bowl with the sliced ingredients.
3. Mix the base ingredients
   Add the sea salt and palm sugar to the bowl. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and mix everything gently but thoroughly with a spoon or your hands (wear gloves if using hands to avoid chili burns).
4. Add the warm oil
   Heat the coconut oil in a small pan until warm but not smoking. Pour the warm oil over the mixture in the bowl. This will slightly wilt the ingredients and help release their aromatic flavors.
5. Final mixing
   Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the oil and the flavors are well combined. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.