Telur Pesmol: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Telur Pesmol is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the richness of fried eggs with a fragrant and spicy sauce. This dish features a harmonious blend of spices, aromatic herbs, and tangy notes, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Here’s how you can recreate this savory and aromatic dish at home:
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs – hard-boiled
- 1/2 thumb-sized galangal – crushed
- 3 kaffir lime leaves – torn to remove the stems
- To taste – sugar, salt
- To taste – chicken stock
- 9 red bird’s eye chilies – halved
- Cooking oil
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar (or tamarind paste as a substitute)
- 1 tomato – sliced
For the Spice Paste:
- 6 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 6 candlenuts
- 1 1/2 thumb-sized turmeric – peeled
- 3 cm ginger
- 200 ml water
Instructions
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Prepare the Eggs: Begin by boiling the eggs until fully cooked. Allow them to cool, then peel off the shells. Fry the peeled eggs in oil until they develop a crispy outer layer. Once done, set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a pot, bring the ingredients for the spice paste—shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger—along with water to a boil. Cook for about 3 minutes to soften the ingredients. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste, kaffir lime leaves, and crushed galangal. Season with sugar, salt, and chicken stock. Stir and cook until the mixture becomes aromatic.
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Add Tomatoes and Chilies: Introduce the sliced tomato and halved chilies to the pan. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add water and vinegar (or tamarind paste) to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it starts to bubble.
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Combine Eggs and Sauce: Gently place the fried eggs into the simmering sauce. Let them cook in the sauce until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your preference. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the eggs are well-coated, serve the Telur Pesmol warm.
This rich and flavorful Telur Pesmol is perfect for a hearty meal and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and textures of this Indonesian classic!