Sautéed Eggplant with Sardines: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish

This delightful recipe for Sautéed Eggplant with Sardines combines the tender texture of eggplant with the rich flavors of sardines, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting addition to a larger feast, this dish embodies the essence of Indonesian home cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 medium purple eggplants (terong ungu), cut into small pieces
• 1 can of sardines
• 5 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 2 shallots (bawang merah), finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic (bawang putih), minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, bruised
• 5 green chilies (cabe hijau), sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by cutting the eggplants into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and wash them with salted water to remove any bitterness. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the eggplant.

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2. Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, blend the red chilies, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture will be the base of your sauté.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste to the hot oil, allowing it to cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, incorporate the bruised ginger and sliced green chilies, stirring to combine all the flavors.

4. Cook the Eggplant: Season the sauté with salt and sugar to taste. Add the prepared eggplant pieces to the pan, mixing well to coat them in the aromatic spice blend. Pour in a small amount of water, cover the pan, and allow the eggplant to cook until tender.

5. Add the Sardines: Once the eggplant is cooked through, gently fold in the canned sardines. Stir everything together until evenly combined, then cover the pan again and let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Taste and Serve: After a final taste adjustment, remove the pan from heat. Your Sautéed Eggplant with Sardines is now ready to be served. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making for a wholesome meal.

Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this simple yet satisfying Indonesian recipe, perfect for any occasion!