
Everyday meals
Batar-tohu (corn and tofu)
An everyday Timorese dish of grilled or boiled corn and sautéed tofu. Corn, called batar, is the staple grain of the island; this mild, nourishing mix is eaten at family meals, hot or warm.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spices & seasoning
Optional extras
On the side
Instructions
- Cook the corn cobs in a large pot of salted water for 25 minutes, until the kernels are tender. Drain them, let them cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob with a knife.
- Peel and finely slice the onions. Crush the garlic. Cut the tofu into 2 cm cubes and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the tofu cubes for 5 to 6 minutes, turning them, until nicely colored. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the onions and garlic for 4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the diced tomato and let it break down for 3 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and soy sauce, then mix for 2 minutes.
- Return the tofu, season with salt, pepper and chili, then simmer for 5 minutes over low heat so the flavors blend.
- Sprinkle with chopped coriander and serve right away, with white rice.
Variations and tips
Quick version. Use drained canned corn, counting about 400 g of kernels, to save 25 minutes.
Using what's easy to find. If smoked tofu is hard to find, add a pinch of smoked paprika when browning the tofu.
More ideas
Ai-lia (sweet potato leaves pounded in coconut milk)45 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyAi-rai (Boiled Tubers with Salt)45 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyAi-bidu (Cassava Mash with Garlic)35 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyAi-hun (moringa leaf salad)20 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyAi-hun-kuku (garlic-sautéed moringa leaves)18 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyBatar-hun (corn with greens)1 h 05 · 4 serv. · budget-friendlyBatar-ikan (corn porridge with dried fish)40 min · 4 serv.Batar-sabu (corn in tomato sauce)40 min · 4 serv. · budget-friendly
Original Ecomely recipe.

Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste