Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan
Description:
This delicious Indonesian dish, Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan, combines the rich flavors of fried tuna (tongkol) and tofu in a creamy coconut milk broth, infused with aromatic spices. The heat from the chili peppers complements the sweetness of the coconut milk, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for serving with steamed rice, this dish is not only comforting but also bursting with vibrant flavors that make it a favorite in many households.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (Ikan Tongkol) | 4 pieces, bones removed, fried |
| Instant Coconut Milk (Santan Kara) | 1 package |
| Tofu (Tahu) | 1 box |
| Green Chilies | 4, sliced |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus) | |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 4 cloves |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 6 cloves |
| Large Red Chilies | 4 pieces |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit) | 6 pieces |
| Turmeric (Kunyit) | 1 piece (about 1 inch) |
| Complementary Spices (Bumbu Pelengkap) | |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | 1 piece (about 1 inch) |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Bay Leaves (Daun Salam) | 2 leaves |
| Salt (Garam) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper (Merica) | to taste |
| Flavor Enhancer (Penyedap Rasa) | to taste |
| Tamarind (Asam Jawa) | to taste |
| Water | 2 cups |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by blending the garlic, shallots, large red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and turmeric together to create a smooth spice paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step. -
-
Sautรฉ the Spices:
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste and sautรฉ until fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Add a bit of tamarind for tanginess during this step. -
Add Complementary Spices:
Incorporate the galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves into the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the aromatic paste. -
Mix in the Coconut Milk and Water:
Pour in the instant coconut milk followed by the water. Stir to combine, ensuring the mixture is well blended. -
Add Tofu and Fried Tuna:
Gently add the tofu cubes and the fried tuna into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer, infusing the tofu and fish with the aromatic flavors. -
Incorporate Green Chilies:
Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the sliced green chilies for an extra kick. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients. -
Season the Broth:
Season the broth with salt, pepper, and a flavor enhancer to taste. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Taste Adjustment:
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more tamarind or salt if needed. -
Serve:
Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the pot from heat. Serve the Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan hot, garnished with additional sliced chilies if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated values per serving, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your taste.
- For a thicker broth, you can reduce the amount of water or add more coconut milk.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, as the flavors deepen over time.
Indulge in this comforting and aromatic Tongkol Tahu Kuah Santan, and share it with family and friends for a delightful dining experience! Enjoy your cooking adventure! ๐ฝ๏ธ
