Pindang Bandeng: A Delightful Indonesian Dish
Ingredients:
- 3 whole bandeng (milkfish), cut into two pieces each
- 1 bunch kemangi (Thai basil)
- 1 spring onion, sliced
- 4 red chili peppers, sliced
- 5 green bird’s eye chilies, whole
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 piece of laos (galangal), crushed
- 1 piece of ginger, crushed
- 1 piece of lemongrass, crushed
- 1 tomato, quartered
- 1 tamarind (remove seeds)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Sweet soy sauce, to taste
- Oyster sauce, to taste
- Chicken or fish broth powder
Ground Spices:
- 1 piece of turmeric
- 3 shallots
- 1 clove of garlic
Preparation Steps:
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spices—turmeric, shallots, and garlic—along with the sliced red chilies. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the sautéed mixture along with the crushed laos, ginger, bay leaves, and lemongrass. This aromatic broth will serve as the foundation for your dish. -
-
Cook the Bandeng:
Add the bandeng pieces into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the broth. Let them cook until they are tender and cooked through, absorbing all the delicious flavors. -
Season the Dish:
Once the bandeng is cooked, season the broth with salt, sugar, broth powder, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the tamarind. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, balancing the savory and tangy elements. -
Add the Fresh Ingredients:
Finally, incorporate the kemangi, sliced spring onion, and quartered tomato into the pot. Cook until everything is just tender, allowing the fresh ingredients to infuse the broth with their vibrant flavors. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Pindang Bandeng is now ready to be served! This delightful dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, allowing you to enjoy every savory and tangy bite. Indulge in this comforting meal that showcases the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the fresh ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Cooking Tips:
Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the number of chilies according to your taste. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to include other vegetables or ingredients you have on hand.
Enjoy cooking and sharing this wonderful Indonesian recipe with your friends and family!
