Sambal tomat is an Indonesian chili sauce that prominently features tomatoes along with chili peppers. The inclusion of tomatoes gives this sambal a distinctive tangy and somewhat sweet flavor, complementing the spiciness of the chilies.
This sambal can vary in texture from smooth to chunky, depending on how finely the ingredients are chopped or blended. The basic ingredients for sambal tomat usually include fresh red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and, of course, ripe tomatoes.
Most variations also include shrimp paste (terasi) for added depth, as well as salt, sugar, and lime juice to balance the flavors. The ingredients are typically ground into a paste, which can then be cooked (fried) to intensify the flavors and meld them together, although there are also versions that are served fresh, without cooking.