Sederhana Tongkol Balado: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Welcome to a culinary adventure where simplicity meets flavor! Today, we will prepare Sederhana Tongkol Balado, a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the richness of flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This dish features tender canned tuna (tongkol), cooked in a spicy and aromatic sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional information to make this delicious recipe a centerpiece of your dining table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned tuna (tongkol) | 1 can (approximately 300-400 grams) |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 6 |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah) | 4 |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 8 |
| Onion (bawang bombai) | 1 medium, sliced |
| Green onion (bawang daun) | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | 1 tablespoon |
| Flavor enhancer (penyedap rasa, such as Indofood) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato | 1 medium, diced |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, and bird’s eye chili in a mortar and pestle or food processor until they form a smooth paste. This aromatic blend is the heart of our dish, adding a rich depth of flavor.
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Slice the Vegetables: Next, finely slice the onion and chop the green onions. Dice the tomato. These fresh ingredients will enhance the dish’s texture and taste, bringing a vibrant freshness.
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Fry the Tuna: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently fry the canned tuna pieces until they are slightly golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step ensures the tuna retains its flavor and texture.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced onion until it becomes fragrant and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor for the balado sauce.
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Add the Spice Paste: Once the onions are fragrant, add the ground spice paste you prepared earlier. Stir-fry this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the spices are aromatic and well combined.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the chopped green onions and diced tomato to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, enriching the sauce.
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Season the Sauce: Pour in a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to help the spices blend. Stir in the flavor enhancer and palm sugar, adjusting the sweetness and seasoning to your preference. Taste the sauce and tweak the flavors as necessary.
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Combine with Tuna: Carefully return the fried tuna to the pan, ensuring each piece is coated in the vibrant sauce. Stir gently to combine, allowing the tuna to absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Sederhana Tongkol Balado is now ready to be served! Present this flavorful dish with a side of steamed rice and perhaps some sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Gather your loved ones and savor the explosion of flavors that this dish brings to your table. Enjoy every bite!
This simple yet satisfying Sederhana Tongkol Balado will surely become a favorite among your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and aromatic spices, this dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a celebration of Indonesian culinary traditions. Embrace the joy of cooking and make lasting memories with every meal you prepare!
