Tahu & Telur Kecap: A Fusion of Flavors from Indonesia
Embark on a culinary adventure with Tahu & Telur Kecap, a delightful Indonesian dish that beautifully marries the delicate flavors of quail eggs and tofu with aromatic spices and rich sweet soy sauce. This recipe is a fantastic choice for a light meal or a savory side dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quail eggs | 10 butir |
| Tofu | 4 pieces (cut into triangles) |
| Red chili | To taste |
| Green chili | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili | To taste |
| Shallots | To taste |
| Garlic | To taste |
| Onion | 1 piece (thinly sliced) |
| Lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Galangal | To taste |
| Ginger | To taste |
| Bay leaves | 1 leaf |
| Palm sugar | To taste |
| Tomato | 1 (diced) |
| Candlenut | 1 nut |
| Sweet soy sauce | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
For the spice paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red chili | 4 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili | 10 pieces |
| Galangal | 3 cm |
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Candlenut | 1 nut |
| Ginger | 2 cm |
For the sliced spices:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red chili | 2 (thinly sliced) |
| Green chili | 4 (thinly sliced) |
| Onion | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Tomato | 1 (diced) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Quail Eggs: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the quail eggs and let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to cool, then peel and set aside.
-
Fry the Tofu: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, gently add the tofu pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired crispness. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and toss in the sliced onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add all the sliced spices (red chili, green chili, and tomato) and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
-
Create the Spice Base: While the aromatics are cooking, blend the ingredients for the spice paste (red chili, bird’s eye chili, galangal, shallots, garlic, candlenut, and ginger) in a food processor until smooth. Once the sliced spices are slightly wilted, add the blended spice paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
-
Add Flavorings: Introduce the lime leaves, bay leaf, a sprinkle of salt, a small amount of palm sugar, and sweet soy sauce into the mixture. Pour in just enough water to create a rich sauce without it becoming too soupy. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
-
Incorporate Tofu and Quail Eggs: Gently add the fried tofu and peeled quail eggs into the pan, ensuring they are coated well with the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tofu and eggs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
-
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, sugar, or soy sauce as needed. The final dish should be a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.
-
Serve: Once the tofu and quail eggs are well-coated and the sauce is aromatic, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the dish to a serving platter and enjoy your Tahu & Telur Kecap with steamed rice or as a side dish to complement your favorite Indonesian meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of chilies you use. For a milder dish, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce a bit longer after adding the water.
- This dish can be served hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Embrace the robust flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Tahu & Telur Kecap recipe. The balance of textures from the creamy tofu and tender quail eggs, combined with the depth of spices, makes it a delightful dish to savor at any time. Enjoy your cooking!
