Tahu Campur

Introduction to Tahu Campur

Tahu Campur is a traditional Indonesian dish originating from East Java, particularly popular in the cities of Surabaya and Lamongan. The name itself translates to 'mixed tofu,’ which is a fitting descriptor for this hearty and flavorful street food. With its rich combination of textures and vibrant flavors, this dish has been a staple in Indonesian cuisine for many generations.

Since Indonesia is an archipelago with a rich culinary history, Tahu Campur exemplifies the country's penchant for mixing some of the best local produce like tofu, vegetables, and a unique curry-like broth that features the iconic punch of shrimp paste. The interesting blend of ingredients makes every bite a blend of umami, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

• Tofu
• Cassava
• Water Spinach
• Bean Sprouts
• Cucumber
• Shrimp Paste
• Lemongrass
• Galangal
• Kafir Lime Leaves
• Key Limes
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Candlenut
• Turmeric
• Chili
• Cooking Oil
• Salt
• Palm Sugar
• Soy Sauce
• Fried Shallots
• Rice Crackers

Preparation

The key to an authentic Tahu Campur is in the preparation of each component which is pivotal in delivering the right flavor. Prepare all your ingredients by cleaning and slicing the vegetables and tofu:

1. Wash the water spinach and bean sprouts thoroughly. Cut the cucumber into sticks for added texture.
2. Boil the cassava until it's tender. Then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a pan, fry the tofu until golden brown on each side and set aside.
4. Blend galangal, lemongrass, kafir lime leaves, key limes, garlic, and shallots to create a paste with a mortar and pestle.
5. Fry the paste in a little cooking oil over medium heat, adding in shrimp paste and candlenut for extra flavor depth.
6. Add a dash of turmeric for color, and mix in chili, letting it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse thoroughly.

Cooking Process

Once your ingredients have been prepared, it's time to assemble and cook the Tahu Campur:

1. In a pot, combine the prepared spice paste with some water to create a broth. Add palm sugar and salt to taste, then let simmer.
2. Combine the boiled cassava and fried tofu with the broth. Let it cook together for approximately 20 minutes, or until the flavors meld. Set a timer to ensure perfect results.
3. Prepare the water spinach by blanching in boiling water for a brief 30 seconds - 1 minute, then immediately plunge into ice-cold water to maintain its vibrant green color.
4. For additional texture, fry some rice crackers to accompany the final dish.

How to Enjoy Tahu Campur

To enjoy this vibrant dish, serve the broth in bowls, garnished with the beautifully green water spinach, and crisp bean sprouts. The spicy and savory notes of the broth should be nicely complemented by the neutral tofu, starchy cassava, and cooling cucumber sticks.

Drizzle some soy sauce on top and sprinkle with crispy fried shallots to enhance the flavor further. Top with a side of fried rice crackers to scoop up the contents or simply for a delightful crunch. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Enjoy it warm for the best experience of this authentic flavor journey!