Semur Tahu: A Savory Indonesian Tofu Stew
Introduction
Semur Tahu, a beloved Indonesian dish, showcases the delightful harmony of tofu with aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce. This comforting stew is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. With its rich flavors and fragrant herbs, Semur Tahu is a fantastic vegetarian option that will please even the most discerning palates. Serve it warm with steamed rice, and let the savory goodness take you on a culinary journey to Indonesia.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm tofu (tahu coklat) | 10 pieces |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 2-3 tablespoons (to taste) |
| Cooking oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salam leaf (daun salam) | 1 leaf |
| Kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk) | 1 leaf, torn into pieces |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 stick |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Bouillon powder (kaldu bubuk) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground Spices: | |
| Red shallots (bawang merah) | 4 bulbs |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Curly red chili (cabe merah keriting) | 1 piece |
| Toasted coriander seeds (ketumbar) | 1 teaspoon |
| Toasted candlenuts (kemiri) | 1 piece |
| Tomato | 1/4 piece |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ground Spices: Begin by blending the red shallots, garlic, curly red chili, toasted coriander seeds, toasted candlenuts, and tomato into a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture will serve as the base for your Semur Tahu.
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Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground spice mixture along with the salam leaf and torn kaffir lime leaf. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant, releasing a delightful aroma into the kitchen.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the spices are fragrant, pour in the water and gently introduce the tofu pieces. Add the cinnamon stick, sweet soy sauce, bouillon powder, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure that the tofu is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
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Simmer the Stew: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat. Cook until the water reduces and the sauce thickens, allowing the tofu to absorb all the savory flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the tofu from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or sweet soy sauce if needed.
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Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the Semur Tahu to a serving dish. For an added touch, sprinkle some crispy fried shallots on top. Serve the dish warm alongside a steaming bowl of white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Semur Tahu is a delightful representation of Indonesian cuisine that showcases the versatility of tofu and the enchanting flavors of traditional spices. This comforting stew is a wonderful option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a taste of Indonesia right in your own kitchen. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Indonesian culinary traditions.
Happy Cooking!
