Sweet Soy Tofu and Egg Semur

Semur Kecap Tahu Telur: A Delightful Indonesian Dish

Ingredients:

• 20 pieces of white tofu (cut into triangles)
• 6 hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 star anise
• 4 bay leaves
• 5 candlenuts
• 6 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 piece of ginger
• 2 pieces of galangal
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 cloves
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Seasoning (optional)
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Mineral water
• Vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs and Tofu:

   • Begin by boiling the eggs until fully cooked. Once done, peel and set aside.
   • Cut the tofu into triangles. Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and briefly fry the tofu pieces until slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Prepare the Potatoes (Optional):

   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into your desired size. Heat oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until they are half-cooked. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, galangal, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, nutmeg, black pepper, and coriander seeds. Blend into a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
   • Add the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Continue to sauté until the spices are well integrated and aromatic.

5. Simmer the Semur:

   • Pour in enough mineral water to create a sauce base, adjusting the amount according to your preference (not too little, not too much).
   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce, granulated sugar, salt, and optional seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the sauce is nearing a boil, add the fried potatoes (if using), hard-boiled eggs, and fried tofu to the pan. Gently stir to ensure that everything is well coated with the sauce.

7. Simmer Until Cooked:

   • Allow the mixture to simmer until it is fully heated through and the flavors have melded together. Check and adjust seasoning as necessary.

8. Serve:

   • Once the semur is ready, remove from heat. Serve hot, and enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

This Semur Kecap Tahu Telur brings together a symphony of spices and textures in a savory and sweet sauce, making it a comforting and delectable choice for any meal.