Water spinach and bean sprouts are two vegetables that are often the main choices in various dishes, one of which is plecing. Plecing is known as one of Lombok's specialties that has a spicy and fresh taste. In addition to vegetables, the main ingredient of plecing is the distinctive tomato sauce.
Well, plecing tomato sambal is generally eaten with boiled vegetables, such as water spinach and bean sprouts . However, in some cases, the water spinach and bean sprouts served actually taste bitter when eaten. This usually happens when the water spinach or bean sprouts are not cooked perfectly when boiled.
On the other hand, boiling water spinach and bean sprouts for a long time will make the texture soft. In addition, the color also turns dark. Instead, you can imitate the trick shared by Instagram user @chefgungun_handayana. Through one of the uploaded videos, the chef and content creator admitted that he only uses a special trick to boil water spinach and cook bean sprouts for plecing.
As reported by BrilioFood from the Instagram account @chefgungun_handayana on Thursday (10/17), water spinach and bean sprouts basically need to be cooked separately. Water spinach, which has a solid texture, needs to be boiled. However, the bean sprouts only need to be soaked.
 Instagram/@chefgungun_handayana
To be more precise, wash the water spinach thoroughly under running water. Then cut it into three parts for each stem. So, the stems will be cooked together with the water spinach leaves. However, if you want a softer texture, you can split the stems into several parts. After that, boil water in a pan. Then add baking soda to taste. Well, this is the secret that will keep the water spinach crispy and green after boiling. However, don't use too much so that the water spinach doesn't taste bitter.
 Instagram/@chefgungun_handayana
Once you have added baking soda, immediately add the chopped kale. Then press until the kale is submerged and boil for just 1 minute. Although boiling it is quite short, the kale is still perfectly cooked because it is mixed with baking soda. Well, after 1 minute, immediately turn off the stove, then remove and drain. The boiled kale is still fresh green, but still perfectly cooked and of course not too soft.
 Instagram/@chefgungun_handayana
To cook the bean sprouts, simply rinse them with clean water. Then soak the bean sprouts in warm water for 2 minutes. Once done, lift and drain the bean sprouts. Well, that way the two vegetables can be served directly with delicious plecing chili sauce.