Chayotes Stew - {Sayur Labu Siam}

1/2 lb stew meat
Water, as needed
3 Tbs vegetable oil
2 chayotes, peeled and cubed
2 spring onions, sliced 3/8" slices
1/4 cup minced flat-leaved parsley
1 tsp tamarind, dissolved in
1 Tbs water
1 Tbs fried onions
=== SPICE PASTE ===
10 red chilies
4 garlic cloves
2 candlenuts
1/2 inch fresh ginger
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 Tbs dried shrimp, soaked briefly in
hot water and drained
Salt, to taste


Simmer the meat in water to cover, together with the salt, until tender. Remove and slice the meat in 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch cubes. Set aside 4 cups of the broth.

Heat the oil and fry the spice-paste until fragrant. Add the meat and stir it around until the spices are well-mixed with the meat. Add the broth.

Let it come to a boil, then add the chayotes, spring onions, minced parsley and tamarind water. Serve with fried onions/shallots scattered on top.

This recipe yields 3 to 4 servings.

Servings: 3