Brunei - Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis)

Sweet Soy Sauce 

(Kecap Manis)

Ingredients

-       2½ cups sugar

-       2¾ cups Chinese dark soy sauce

-       3 cloves garlic, cracked

-       ½ tsp. star anise pods

-       2 salam (Indian Bay) leaves

-       2 pieces laos (galanggal)

-       ½ cup water

Directions

-       Carmelize the sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

-       When the sugar has melted, add the soy sauce and all the other ingredients.

-       Bring to a boil, and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.

-       Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.

-       All this somewhat-thickened syrup to cool.

-       Before pouring it into one or more bottles, you have the choice of straining the sauce or not.

-       Sweet soy sauce could last for several months if refrigerated.

Makes approximately 2-3 cups.