Oseng Pare Tahu (Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Tofu)
Oseng Pare Tahu is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the unique flavors of bitter melon with the savory richness of tofu and the crunch of fried anchovies. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. With a medley of spices and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds while offering a nutritious option for your dining table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bitter Melon (Pare) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tofu | 1 block (about 1/2 oz) |
| Fried Anchovies (Teri) | 1/2 oz |
| Tomato | 1 whole |
| Red Chili | 1 whole |
| Bird’s Eye Chili | 3 whole |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | A few pieces, crushed |
| Water | As needed |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bitter Melon: Slice the bitter melon according to your preference and remove the seeds. Rinse the sliced bitter melon thoroughly, then rub it with 1 teaspoon of salt until it softens. Rinse again to remove excess salt.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, salt, and sugar until a smooth paste forms.
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Cut the Vegetables: Dice the red chili and chop the tomato into small pieces. Set aside.
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Prepare the Tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and fry until golden brown. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
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Fry the Anchovies: Clean the fried anchovies and fry them until crispy. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Spices: In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, then add the crushed galangal and the diced red chili. Cook until aromatic.
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Stir-Fry the Bitter Melon: Add the prepared bitter melon to the pan, along with a splash of water. Stir well and cook until the bitter melon is halfway tender.
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Add Tofu and Tomatoes: Once the bitter melon is partially cooked, gently fold in the fried tofu, crispy anchovies, and chopped tomato. Stir everything together and continue cooking until heated through and well combined.
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Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce if desired. Serve warm with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Conclusion
Oseng Pare Tahu not only serves as a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients like bitter melon and tofu into your diet but also offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy this traditional Indonesian dish as part of a larger meal or as a satisfying standalone dish. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is simple enough to master while still allowing room for your personal touches. Happy cooking!
