Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan, a delightful Indonesian dish that combines succulent fried skipjack tuna (tongkol) with soft tofu in a fragrant coconut milk broth. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a special gathering, showcasing a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients that create a truly memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 pieces of skipjack tuna (ikan tongkol), deboned and fried until golden
1 pack of instant coconut milk (such as Kara)
1 box of tofu, cut into cubes
4 green chilies, sliced

For the Spice Paste:

4 cloves of garlic
6 shallots
4 large red chilies
6 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
1 piece of turmeric (about 1 inch)

For the Complementary Seasonings:

1 piece of galangal (about 1 inch)
2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
2 bay leaves (daun salam)
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
Seasoning powder, to taste
Tamarind paste, to taste
2 glasses of water (about 500 ml)

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the garlic, shallots, large red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and turmeric until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will form the base of your dish.
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Sauté the Spices: In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste over medium heat until fragrant. Add a splash of tamarind paste for a tangy flavor, followed by the complementary seasonings: galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves.
Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the instant coconut milk and water, stirring well to combine the flavors. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Tofu and Tuna: Add the cubed tofu and the fried skipjack tuna to the pot. Gently fold in the sliced green chilies, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed throughout the broth.
Season to Taste: Season the broth with salt, black pepper, and seasoning powder, adjusting according to your preference. Allow the dish to simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Once ready, serve the Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan hot, garnished with additional green chilies if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

With its creamy texture and delightful spice profile, Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this dish and share it with loved ones for a heartwarming meal that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort. Happy cooking!