Creamy Indonesian Tofu and Egg Curry

Opor Tahu Telor: A Delicious Indonesian Stew with Tofu and Eggs

Opor Tahu Telor is a traditional Indonesian dish featuring tofu and hard-boiled eggs in a rich, aromatic coconut curry sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy meal, and its blend of spices and creamy coconut milk creates a delightful combination that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s how you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 9 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
• 5 blocks of white tofu (each block cut into 2 pieces), fried until golden brown and crispy
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
• 1 large bay leaf (or 2 small ones)
• 1 kaffir lime leaf, ribs removed
• 1 packet instant coconut milk (Kara, 65 ml)
• Approximately 1 liter of water

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 red shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• Salt, sugar, and chicken seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Wash all the spice paste ingredients and the fresh herbs. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the red shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, turmeric, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds with 20 ml of water until you have a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pan or skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the bruised lemongrass, galangal, bay leaf, and kaffir lime leaf. Stir for a few minutes until the leaves become wilted.

4. Simmer the Stew:

   • Pour in approximately 900 ml of water into the pan with the sautéed spices. Bring to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   • Once boiling, add the fried tofu and hard-boiled eggs. Stir gently to combine.

5. Season and Add Coconut Milk:

   • Season the stew with salt, sugar, and chicken seasoning according to your taste. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the instant coconut milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and heated through. The tofu and eggs should absorb the flavors, and the sauce should thicken slightly.

6. Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and transfer the Opor Tahu Telor to a serving bowl. Garnish with crispy fried shallots if desired.
   • Enjoy this rich, creamy stew with steamed rice or as a side dish to complement your meal.

Opor Tahu Telor is a versatile dish that is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. Its complex flavors and creamy texture make it a beloved favorite in Indonesian cuisine.