Pepes Tahu Ala Ala: A Flavorful Steamed Tofu Delight
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pepes Tahu Ala Ala, a traditional Indonesian dish that combines the rich, earthy taste of tofu with aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. This recipe not only showcases the vibrant tastes of Indonesian cuisine but also offers a healthy and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tahu Cina (Chinese tofu) | 1 piece |
| Teri Medan (small anchovies) | 1/2 ounce |
| Young coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Banana leaves (for wrapping) | As needed |
| Thinly sliced turmeric leaves | 1 leaf |
| Thinly sliced lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Spice Paste: | |
| Red bird’s eye chilies | 5 pieces |
| Red chilies (curly) | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Candlenuts | 4 pieces |
| Fresh turmeric | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger | 1 cm piece |
| Salt | To taste |
| Seasoning (optional) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 |
| Protein | Approx. 7g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 12g |
| Fat | Approx. 9g |
| Fiber | Approx. 2g |
| Sodium | Varies by salt use |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tofu Mixture: Begin by finely mashing the tahu (tofu) in a mixing bowl. Next, add the teri medan (anchovies) and grated kelapa muda (young coconut) to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
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Create the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend the cabe rawit merah (bird’s eye chilies), cabe merah kriting (curly red chilies), bawang merah (shallots), bawang putih (garlic), kemiri (candlenuts), kunyit (fresh turmeric), and jahe (ginger) into a smooth paste. Add this aromatic paste to the tofu mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
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Add Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate the thinly sliced daun kunyit (turmeric leaves) and sereh (lemongrass) into the mixture. Season with salt and any additional seasoning as per your taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Wrap and Steam: Take the banana leaves and cut them into manageable pieces for wrapping. Place a portion of the tofu mixture onto each piece, fold the leaves over to enclose the filling securely, and tie with kitchen twine if needed. Steam the wrapped parcels for approximately 30 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
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Final Touch: Once steamed, remove the parcels from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly. For an added layer of flavor, grill the wrapped tofu parcels on a medium heat for a few minutes until the banana leaves become slightly charred, enhancing the aroma and flavor.
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Serve: Unwrap the parcels and serve your Pepes Tahu Ala Ala warm, accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish to a larger meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that this dish offers!
Conclusion
Pepes Tahu Ala Ala is not only a celebration of Indonesian culinary traditions but also a nourishing dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked meals. With its unique combination of tofu, anchovies, and spices, all wrapped in the aromatic embrace of banana leaves, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this flavorful recipe!
