Silky Steamed Tofu Soup with Savory Chicken and Carrot

Steamed Tofu Soup (Sop Tahu Kukus Bening)

This delightful steamed tofu soup, known as Sop Tahu Kukus Bening, is a wonderfully light and comforting dish that blends the subtle flavors of tofu with the heartiness of chicken sausage and fresh vegetables. The steaming process infuses the tofu with a delicate flavor while maintaining a pleasing texture. Here’s how you can create this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Steamed Tofu Mixture:

• 500 grams of white tofu, crumbled
• 100 grams of minced chicken (or substitute with 4 finely chopped sausages)
• 1 large carrot, grated coarsely
• 3 stalks of green onions, finely chopped
• Salt, ground white pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
• 1 large egg

For the Broth:

• 1 liter of drinking water
• Salt, ground white pepper, and nutmeg (or substitute with ground mace), to taste
• Fried shallots and garlic, as needed
• Bouillon powder, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables of your choice (such as raw mustard greens or lettuce; I used raw mustard greens and carrot, which are cooked in the broth)
• Fried shallots, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steamed Tofu Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled tofu, minced chicken (or sausages), grated carrot, and finely chopped green onions. Season with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
   • Add the large egg to the mixture and blend thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
   • Transfer the tofu mixture into a steaming container or mold. Arrange the sausages and carrot in a neat row on top of the mixture for added texture and flavor.
   • Steam the tofu mixture over boiling water for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Ensure the tofu is thoroughly set and firm. Allow it to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.

2. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, combine 1 liter of drinking water with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
   • Add fried shallots and garlic to the pot, and dissolve the bouillon powder into the broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Assemble and Serve:

   • Slice the steamed tofu into cubes and arrange them in serving bowls.
   • If using additional vegetables, add them to the simmering broth and cook until tender.
   • Pour the hot broth over the tofu cubes and vegetables in each bowl.
   • Garnish with additional fried shallots for a touch of crunch and flavor.

This recipe combines the subtle, comforting flavors of tofu with the savory richness of a well-seasoned broth, creating a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. Enjoy this light yet flavorful soup as a comforting meal or a delightful appetizer.