Sweet Soy Braised Tofu and Egg Stew

Semur Kecap Tahu Telur: A Rich Indonesian Stew

Ingredients:

• 20 pieces of white tofu (cut into triangles)
• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 star anise
• 4 bay leaves
• 5 candlenuts
• 6 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 piece of ginger
• 2 pieces of galangal
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 2 cloves
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Seasoning (optional)
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Mineral water
• Vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Begin by boiling the eggs until fully cooked. Once done, peel the shells and set the eggs aside.
   • Wash the potatoes thoroughly, peel them, and cut them into pieces as desired. Fry them until they are halfway cooked and set aside.
   • Cut the tofu into triangle shapes. Briefly fry the tofu until lightly golden and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Peel and finely chop the shallots and garlic. Grate or finely chop the ginger and galangal.
   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, galangal, fennel seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, and coriander into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, and bay leaves to the pan. Continue to sauté until the spices are well incorporated and the mixture is aromatic.

4. Simmer the Stew:

   • Pour in enough mineral water to cover the ingredients, adjusting the amount as needed. Ensure the liquid is not too scant nor excessive.
   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), granulated sugar, salt, and optional seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Combine and Cook:

   • Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the fried potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and fried tofu into the pan.
   • Gently stir to combine and ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Allow the stew to simmer until it reaches a gentle boil.

6. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Allow the stew to cook until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Serve:

   • Once the semur kecap tahu telur is well-cooked and flavorful, remove from heat.
   • Serve hot, garnished as desired, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish.

This semur kecap tahu telur offers a comforting and flavorful experience with its blend of aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce, making it a delightful addition to any meal.