Soup Kepala Ikan Salmon (Salmon Head Soup)
This delightful Indonesian dish, known as Soup Kepala Ikan Salmon, showcases the rich and savory flavors of salmon heads combined with fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. Perfectly suited for a cozy family meal or an adventurous dinner party, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this scrumptious dish that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon head, cut in half and cleaned | 1 head |
| Onion, thinly sliced | ½ medium onion |
| Shallots, thinly sliced | 4 shallots |
| Garlic, thinly sliced | 2 cloves |
| Bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste) | 10 chilies |
| Tomato, diced | 1 medium tomato |
| Ginger, crushed | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Galangal, crushed | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Turmeric, crushed | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Lemongrass, crushed | 1 stalk |
| Bay leaves | 4 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 4 leaves |
| Basil leaves (wash and set aside) | 1 bunch |
| Starfruit, sliced (adjust to taste) | 10 pieces |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Water | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fish sauce | To taste |
| Soy sauce | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on seasoning |
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. Once the shallots and garlic are aromatic, add the sliced onion and continue to sauté for an additional minute until softened.
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Add Spices and Herbs: Incorporate the crushed ginger, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and lemongrass into the pot. Stir well to combine and allow the spices to infuse their flavors into the oil for about two to three minutes.
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Prepare the Broth: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring it to a gentle boil. As the broth begins to simmer, add the diced tomato and sliced starfruit, allowing them to soften in the flavorful broth.
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Introduce the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon head into the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Final Touches: Once the salmon is cooked and the broth is aromatic, add the fresh basil leaves. Gently stir to combine and remove the pot from the heat. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, sugar, or sauces to suit your preference.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous piece of salmon head and a mix of the fresh vegetables. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Soup Kepala Ikan Salmon is not only a feast for the senses but also a dish that embodies the warmth of Indonesian culinary traditions. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in, it brings comfort and nourishment with every spoonful. Happy cooking! 😊
