Balinese Tofu Tempe and Egg Stew with Spicy Sauce

Balinese-Style Tahu Tempe Telor (Tofu, Tempe, and Egg in Spicy Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 1 package tempe (240g)
• 1 package tofu (approximately 250g)
• 4 chicken eggs
• Spice Paste:
  • 1 large shallot (or 2 small shallots)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 5 small bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste or omit if you prefer less heat)
• Additional Ingredients:
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste
  • Chicken bouillon (Masako), to taste
  • White pepper, to taste
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 thumb-sized piece galangal, bruised
  • 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, bruised
  • Instant Balinese spice mix
  • Cooking oil, for frying
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the tempe and tofu into pieces according to your preference. Boil the eggs until fully cooked and peel them once cooled.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste. (Note: Using a mortar and pestle adds a traditional touch, but a blender works too.)

3. Fry the Ingredients: Heat oil in a pan and fry the tempe, tofu, and boiled eggs until they are golden and crispy but not overly cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Cook the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the spice paste along with the instant Balinese spice mix until fragrant.

5. Add Aromatics: Add the bruised lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and bay leaves to the pan. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.

6. Combine Ingredients: Add the fried tempe, tofu, and eggs to the pan. Stir briefly to coat them with the spice mixture.

7. Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of water and stir to combine. Add the chopped tomato and season with salt, sugar, white pepper, and chicken bouillon to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

8. Add Sweet Soy Sauce: Drizzle in the sweet soy sauce and stir well. Let the mixture simmer until the water reduces and the flavors meld together.

9. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the ingredients are well-coated, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice and crispy crackers for a delightful meal.

Enjoy your Balinese-style Tahu Tempe Telor! This dish is perfect for breakfast or any meal, bringing a rich and spicy flavor to your table.