Spicy Indonesian Coconut Catfish (Mangut Lele) Recipe

Mangut Lele Idola (Catfish in Spiced Coconut Milk)

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish (lele)
• 1/2 coconut, grated
• A pinch of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, crushed
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, crushed
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, crushed
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 2 large green chilies, sliced
• 1/2 tomato, sliced
• 7 shallots, thinly sliced

Spice Paste:

• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 large red chilies
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• A small piece of turmeric
• 2 candlenuts
• A pinch of salt

Optional: Add more bird’s eye chilies if you prefer extra heat.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Season the catfish lightly with salt.
   • Fry the catfish until half-cooked and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In a large pan, sauté the sliced shallots until they become fragrant.
   • Add the spice paste (garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric, candlenuts, and salt) and continue to sauté until aromatic.
   • Incorporate the lemongrass, ginger, galangal, bay leaves, ground coriander, and kaffir lime leaves into the mixture.

3. Create the Base:

   • Once the spices are fragrant, add a small amount of water (about 1 cup) and brown sugar.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the sugar has fully dissolved.

4. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk (approximately 2 cups). Stir continuously to prevent curdling, and taste to adjust the seasoning.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the coconut milk mixture is well-combined and flavorful, add the half-cooked catfish to the pan.
   • Add the sliced red and green chilies, allowing the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Final Touches:

   • Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, add the basil leaves and sliced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine and cook for a few more minutes until everything is well integrated.

7. Serve:

   • Transfer the Mangut Lele to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice. This dish is best enjoyed hot.

Mangut Lele Idola is a delightful traditional Indonesian dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with an array of spices, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will transport you straight to the vibrant kitchens of Java. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises a taste of Indonesia with every bite.