Pepes Tahu Kemangi: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy
Pepes Tahu Kemangi is a delightful Indonesian dish that marries the fragrant notes of basil with the soft texture of tofu. This recipe features a medley of aromatic spices and herbs, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also rich in flavor. Perfect for a healthy meal or as an appetizer, this recipe will introduce you to the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Letโs dive into the detailed preparation of this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow tofu (tahu kuning) | 4 pieces |
| Chicken egg | 1 piece |
| Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi) | To taste, chopped (optional) |
| Spice Mix | |
| Red shallots (bawang merah) | 3 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (bawang bombay) | 1/4 piece |
| Red tomato | 1/2 piece |
| Red birdโs eye chili (cabe rawit merah) | 4 pieces |
| Additional Ingredients | |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | To taste |
| Lemongrass (serai) | 1 stalk, bruised |
| Salt, sugar, and pepper | To taste |
| Cooking oil | As needed for sautรฉing spices |
| Banana leaves (daun pisang) | For wrapping (optional) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
Begin by washing the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and slicing them finely. Set aside for later use. -
-
Tofu Mixture:
Take the yellow tofu and crumble it into a mixing bowl. Add in the chicken egg, along with a pinch of salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. Use a fork to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. -
Spice Preparation:
Prepare the spice mix. You may choose to chop the ingredients finely or blend them into a paste. The spice mix includes red shallots, garlic, onion, red tomato, and red birdโs eye chili. -
Sautรฉing the Spices:
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared spice mix and sautรฉ until fragrant. Incorporate the bay leaves and bruised lemongrass, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2-3 minutes. -
Combine the Mixture:
Once the spices are aromatic, remove the pan from heat and mix the sautรฉed spices into the tofu mixture. Stir in the chopped basil leaves, ensuring that all ingredients are well integrated. -
Wrapping and Steaming:
Prepare the banana leaves by briefly warming them on a dry skillet to make them pliable. If banana leaves are unavailable, you can use BPA-free food-grade plastic containers or heat-resistant glass dishes. Place a portion of the tofu mixture onto a piece of banana leaf, fold it, and secure it. Alternatively, place the mixture in the chosen containers. -
Cooking:
Set up a steamer and place the wrapped tofu mixture inside. Steam for about 20 minutes or until the tofu is firm and cooked through. -
Serving:
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve the Pepes Tahu Kemangi warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
Tips for the Perfect Pepes Tahu Kemangi
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the number of chilis based on your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of birdโs eye chili.
- Experiment with Herbs: While basil is traditional, consider adding other herbs like cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just steam it right before serving.
Enjoy your culinary journey into Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Pepes Tahu Kemangi. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and tofu creates a beautiful symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Happy cooking!
