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Holly Shapiro's avatar

I think I might just make this right now. Like right this moment! I’m a vegetarian so maybe more veg or tofu in place of the meat. I don’t see the kecap manis in the recipe. How much and what should I do with it? I love that ingredient!

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Shayne Chammavanijakul's avatar

Hi Holly! Thanks so much for your response. I haven't seen kecap manis appear in recipes for Indonesian Shepherd's Pie (at least, the ones I've seen), but if you're doing a veg version I'd try adding 2-3 tablespoons of it to the mixture (during step 4) before transferring it to the baking dish. Let me know if you end up making it - I'm curious to know how it turns out!

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Holly Shapiro's avatar

It’s in the text! See below:

“Today's dispatch features Pat's recipe for Indonesian Shepherd's Pie (Indische pastel), a dish that truly captures the essence of Eurasian foodways. While classic Shepherd's Pie typically consists of cooked ground meat and vegetables topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden, this classic Indo-Dutch version incorporates Indonesian spices and ingredients-cooked chicken and ham instead of ground lamb or beef, for example, as well as the addition of kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce) to yield a hit of umami in the filling.”

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Shayne Chammavanijakul's avatar

Oooh, good find! Thanks for pointing out. Yes, give 2-3 tablespoons of it to the mixture before adding to the baking dish a try—do let me know how it turns out!!

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The Toothpick Test's avatar

I’m interested in hearing more about the colonial impact and history in your future writing. But for now, saving the recipe to make this fall 🙌

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Shayne Chammavanijakul's avatar

I'm so glad to hear!!! 💖

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