Indonesian Spiced Fish Sauce Eggs (Telur Petis Ikan)

Telur Petis Ikan: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 4 shallots
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 piece of kunci (a type of aromatic root, also known as galangal)
• 2 medium turmeric roots
• 6 small red chilies
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce (petis ikan)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 can coconut milk (such as Kara brand)
• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs:
   Start by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once cooked, peel and set them aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   Blend the garlic, shallots, 2 red chilies, and turmeric roots until you achieve a smooth paste. Gently crush the kunci (galangal) to release its aroma.

3. Cook the Spice Mixture:
   In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the spice paste along with the crushed kunci, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Continue cooking until the mixture is fragrant and the oil starts to separate.

4. Add the Chilies and Liquids:
   Stir in the remaining red chilies and cook for another minute. Then, pour in the fish sauce and coconut milk. Add enough water to create a desirable sauce consistency. Season with salt and sugar to taste.

5. Combine and Simmer:
   Gently add the peeled hard-boiled eggs to the pan. Allow the dish to simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.

6. Final Touch:
   Once the sauce has reduced to your liking and the eggs have absorbed some of the flavors, remove from heat. Serve warm.

Enjoy your Telur Petis Ikan with steamed rice or as a delightful side dish. The rich, aromatic flavors of this Indonesian specialty are sure to make a memorable addition to your meal!