Indonesian Spiced Tofu and Egg Stew with Sweet Soy Sauce

Indonesian Spiced Tofu & Egg Stew (Semur Rempah Tahu & Telur)

Ingredients:

• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 5 pieces of white tofu, cleaned and steamed (to keep it fresh and avoid any unpleasant smell)

For Spice Paste:

• 4 shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 candlenuts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Additional Spices:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, smashed
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, white part only, smashed
• 3 cardamom pods
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 star anise
• 1 piece of cinnamon stick (5 cm)

For Seasoning:

• 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons thick tamarind water
• 1 piece of palm sugar, finely sliced
• 200 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Begin by preparing the hard-boiled eggs and steamed tofu. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, ground black pepper, candlenuts, and ground nutmeg. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

4. Add Additional Spices:

   • Introduce the galangal, lemongrass, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the spice paste.

5. Season the Mixture:

   • Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, tamarind water, and palm sugar to the skillet. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly. Keep the heat low to prevent burning the spices.

6. Add Tofu and Eggs:

   • Gently place the hard-boiled eggs and tofu pieces into the skillet. Carefully stir to coat them with the spice mixture.

7. Simmer:

   • Pour in the water and stir to combine. Allow the stew to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

8. Finish and Serve:

   • Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the tofu and eggs are well-coated with the spices. Remove from heat.

9. Garnish and Serve:

   • Serve the dish hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

10. Enjoy:

    • Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian spiced tofu and egg stew as a delicious and hearty meal.

Selamat makan! 😊

This dish combines the rich and aromatic spices typical of Indonesian cuisine, resulting in a comforting and satisfying stew that’s perfect for any occasion.