sambal

[ sahm-bahl ]

noun

1. a condiment or side dish of Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern India, made with any of various ingredients, as vegetables, fish, or coconut, usually seasoned with chile peppers and spices and served with rice and curries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sambal¹

First recorded in 1815–20; from Malay, from Tamil campāl “kind of relish, condiment,” akin to campāram “ingredients for curry,” Telugu sambhāram ”preparation of spices for seasoning,” Marathi sā̃bhar “seasoning for dal,” all ultimately reflecting Prakrit saṃbhārei “(he) garnishes,” Sanskrit saṃbhārayati “(he) causes to be brought together,” derivative with sam- “with, together” ( syn- ) and bhṛ- “to bring, carry, bear” ( bear ¹ )

Example Sentences

The company also makes a chili-garlic sauce and a ground chili paste called sambal oelek, both of which will also be affected by the production halt, USA Today reported.

From Los Angeles Times

Underwood Ranches also makes and sells its own brand of sriracha along with sambal and chili garlic.

From Salon

Their Seattle concept is inspired by the drinking culture of their homeland; expect many shared plates, from a fried branzino with chili sambal, chimichurri, kimchi cucumber and an onsen egg fish sauce, to twists on classics, like the cabbage rolls with pork velouté and coriander oil.

From Seattle Times

Michelle Tew, owner of Malaysian food brand Homiah, was one owner who spoke out on social media after she received a cease-and-desist letter from Momofuku on March 18 that said she had 90 days to stop selling her Sambal Chili Crunch products.

From Seattle Times

The steak fries with sambal mayo weren’t bad, but don’t expect any extra sauces once the show has started — we got none despite multiple requests.

From Seattle Times