Indonesian Pineapple Patin Fish Stew

Pindang Patin: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Stew

Pindang Patin is a traditional Indonesian dish that celebrates the rich and aromatic flavors of the region. This delightful fish stew features tender Patin fish simmered in a vibrant, tangy broth enriched with aromatic herbs and spices. Ideal for a comforting meal, Pindang Patin combines the freshness of pineapple and herbs with a touch of heat from red chilies. Here’s how to make this flavorful dish from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole Patin fish, cut into 4 pieces
• 700 ml of water

For the Garnishes:

• 1 stalk of scallion, chopped
• 1 red tomato, sliced
• 1 green tomato, sliced
• 1/2 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 stalk of basil (kemangi)

For the Ground Spices (Bumbu Uleg):

• 7 shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 red chilies
• 2 pieces of turmeric (about 2 inches)

For Additional Seasonings:

• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 pieces of ginger (about 2 inches), smashed
• 2 pieces of galangal (about 2 inches), smashed
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, smashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind (dissolved in water and strained)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • Begin by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot.
   • Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the ground spices (bumbu uleg) and the additional seasonings (bumbu pelengkap). Stir well to combine.

2. Simmer the Broth:

   • Let the mixture simmer until the aroma of the spices is released and the broth becomes fragrant.

3. Cook the Fish:

   • Gently place the Patin fish pieces into the pot. Cook until the fish is halfway done, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

4. Add Garnishes:

   • Add the sliced red and green tomatoes, pineapple chunks, and chopped scallions into the pot. Stir to mix well.
   • Continue to simmer the stew until the fish is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.

5. Adjust the Flavors:

   • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, sugar, or tamarind to balance the flavors according to your preference.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove the pot from heat and let the stew sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Pindang Patin is best enjoyed with steamed rice, which complements its rich and tangy flavors. This hearty stew is perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing a touch of Indonesian culinary tradition to your dining table. Enjoy the robust flavors and the comforting warmth of this traditional dish!