Savory Indonesian Tofu & Beef Pepes Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Bothok/Pepes Tahu-Daging Sapi Recipe

Discover the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Bothok/Pepes Tahu-Daging Sapi recipe. Bothok, also known as pepes, is a traditional dish featuring tofu and minced beef steamed with a fragrant blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves. This dish is known for its rich taste and unique texture, offering a savory, spicy, and aromatic experience.

Ingredients:

• Tofu: 2 blocks, cut into cubes
• Minced Beef: 100 grams (preferably coarsely ground for better texture)

For the Spice Paste:

• Red Chilies: 8, adjust to taste (you can reduce the amount for a milder dish)
• Coriander Seeds: 2 tablespoons
• Shallots: 15
• Garlic: 7 cloves
• Shrimp Paste: 1/2 teaspoon
• Kencur (A type of aromatic root): 1 cm piece
• Galangal: A small piece, grated
• Lemongrass: 1 stalk, white part only, finely sliced
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: 2, finely shredded
• Egg: 1
• Turmeric: 1 cm piece, peeled
• Salt: To taste
• Chicken Bouillon Powder: To taste

For Wrapping:

• Toothpicks: For securing the wraps
• Banana Leaves: Cut into squares, used for wrapping the mixture

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender, combine the red chilies, coriander seeds, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, kencur, grated galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric. Add the egg to help blend the mixture smoothly. Blend until you achieve a fine paste. The egg replaces water, making the paste richer and easier to process.

2. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Use your hands or a fork to crumble the tofu into small pieces. This step is crucial for mixing the tofu evenly with the spice paste.

3. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled tofu and minced beef with the prepared spice paste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and chicken bouillon powder according to your taste. Add some sliced chilies if you prefer extra heat, but reserve a few slices for garnish to avoid overwhelming spice levels.

4. Wrap the Mixture:

   • Place a portion of the mixture onto each piece of banana leaf. Fold the leaves around the filling and secure with toothpicks. The banana leaves not only infuse the dish with a subtle aroma but also help in steaming it evenly.

5. Steam the Bothok:

   • Arrange the wrapped packages in a steamer. Steam for about 30 minutes over medium heat. The dish is done when it becomes firm and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once steamed, remove the Bothok from the steamer and let it cool slightly. Unwrap and serve the Bothok/Pepes Tahu-Daging Sapi as a delicious side dish or a main course. The result is a dish with a delightful chewy texture, rich flavor, and a hint of spiciness.

Tip: This dish pairs well with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as part of a larger Indonesian feast. Experiment with the spice levels to suit your taste, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this traditional recipe.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 10 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

Feel free to share your culinary experience and variations of this recipe with the Love With Recipes community. Enjoy cooking and tasting this flavorful dish!