Kare Tahu Sayuran: A Delightful Indonesian Vegetable Curry with Tofu
Kare Tahu Sayuran is a vibrant Indonesian dish that brings together the rich flavors of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh vegetables, harmoniously combined with golden-fried tofu. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a mouthwatering experience that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White tofu (tahu putih) | 6 pieces (cut into triangles) |
| Carrots | 2 (sliced) |
| Cabbage | 250 grams (chopped) |
| Green onions | 2 stalks (chopped) |
| Celery | 2 stalks (chopped) |
| Kara coconut milk | 1 packet (about 200 ml) |
| Water | As needed |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Galangal | 1 piece (crushed) |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk (crushed) |
Ground Spices
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric | 1 piece |
| Bird’s eye chili | 7 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tofu: Begin by cutting the white tofu into triangular pieces. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the tofu until it is lightly golden and half-cooked. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the tofu is frying, wash and chop all the vegetables. This includes slicing the carrots, chopping the cabbage, and dicing the green onions and celery. Ensure that all vegetables are washed thoroughly to remove any dirt.
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Blend the Spices: In a mortar and pestle or a blender, combine the garlic, shallots, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, and bird’s eye chili. Grind the spices into a fine paste, ensuring they are well-blended.
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Sauté the Spices and Vegetables: In the same frying pan used for the tofu, add a little more oil if necessary and heat it over medium flame. Add the ground spice mixture and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the chopped vegetables to the pan and continue to stir-fry until they are just wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat.
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Cook the Tofu and Vegetables: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the previously fried tofu, crushed galangal, crushed lemongrass, and bay leaves to the pot. Then, add the sautéed vegetables along with their spices to the boiling water. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Add Coconut Milk and Season: Let the mixture come to a gentle boil again. Once boiling, pour in the Kara coconut milk that has been diluted with a little water. Stir well, then season the dish with salt and sugar to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve: Once the dish is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some crispy fried shallots on top before serving. This Kare Tahu Sayuran pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian option. Enjoy this delightful, aromatic dish that is sure to impress!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Fats | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Kare Tahu Sayuran is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. The combination of fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk makes this dish a beloved choice in Indonesian cuisine, ensuring that it is both wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to introduce new dishes into your culinary repertoire or simply enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
