Indonesian Tofu, Egg, & Potato Stew with Sweet Soy Sauce

Embark on a flavorful journey with Semur Tahu, a classic Indonesian stew that brings together tofu, eggs, and potatoes in a rich, aromatic sauce. This dish blends savory and sweet elements, making it a comforting choice for any meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 2 Chinese tofu blocks, cut into 8 pieces each and fried
• 5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 potatoes, cut into chunks and fried
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 finger-length galangal, bruised
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1/2 stick cinnamon
• 6 cloves
• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) or to taste
• 700 ml water
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 candlenuts
• 6 shallots
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Start by frying the tofu and potatoes until golden and crispy. Set them aside. Boil the eggs, then peel and set aside as well.

2. Making the Spice Paste:

   • Grind the candlenuts, shallots, garlic cloves, ground black pepper, and nutmeg into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor.

3. Cooking the Stew:

   • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
   • Pour in the water and bring it to a simmer.
   • Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, galangal, palm sugar, salt, sweet soy sauce, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir to combine and let it cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.

4. Simmering:

   • Gently add the fried tofu, boiled eggs, and fried potatoes into the pan.
   • Simmer the mixture over medium heat, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to ensure the tofu and potatoes are well-coated with the sauce.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Once the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat.

6. Serving:

   • Serve the Semur Tahu hot, garnished with crispy fried shallots if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

This recipe for Semur Tahu, Eggs, & Potatoes captures the essence of Indonesian home cooking with its rich, flavorful sauce and comforting ingredients. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements in each bite.