Sweet & Spicy Indonesian Caramelized Eggs (Telur Bumbu Petis)

Endog Cit (Telur Bumbu Petis) Recipe

Endog Cit, also known as Telur Bumbu Petis, is a delightful Indonesian dish that features hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich and aromatic sauce made with shrimp paste, spices, and caramel. This recipe combines the savory flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, and chili with the sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and excitingly flavorful. Follow these detailed steps to create this exquisite dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken eggs

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (petis udang)
• 8 candlenuts
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 handful green bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit hijau)
• 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt to taste
• Fried shallots (bawang goreng) for garnish

Steps:

1. Prepare the Eggs:

   • Begin by boiling the chicken eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once cooked, drain the hot water and immediately immerse the eggs in cold water to make peeling easier.

2. Caramelize the Sugar:

   • In a large pan, heat over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Allow the sugar to melt and turn into a caramelized syrup. Once the sugar has turned a golden brown, carefully add water to the pan to dissolve the caramel. Stir gently to combine.

3. Simmer the Eggs:

   • Peel the boiled eggs and add them to the caramel mixture. Add enough water to cover the eggs completely. Allow the eggs to simmer in the caramel mixture until the liquid reduces and the eggs absorb some of the caramel flavor.

4. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • While the eggs are simmering, prepare the spice paste. Blend or grind together the shallots, garlic, ginger, shrimp paste, and candlenuts until you achieve a smooth paste. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a separate pan with a little oil and add the spice paste. Sauté the paste until fragrant and lightly browned. Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass to the pan and continue to sauté until the aromatics are well incorporated.

6. Combine and Simmer:

   • Add the green bird’s eye chilies to the spice mixture. Stir well and then add the eggs along with the remaining caramel mixture. Pour in the sweet soy sauce and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and sugar if needed.

7. Finish Cooking:

   • Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and coats the eggs nicely. The sauce should reduce to your desired consistency.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and transfer the eggs to a serving dish. Garnish with fried shallots on top for added flavor and crunch.

Enjoy Endog Cit as a delicious side dish or main course, perfect for accompanying steamed rice and other Indonesian delicacies. The combination of caramel sweetness, spicy notes, and savory depth makes this dish a true culinary delight.