Pindang Patin: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Soup
Pindang Patin is a cherished Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of the Patin fish, combining a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients to create a delightful and aromatic soup. Perfectly balanced with tangy notes and a hint of sweetness, this dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, adorned with vibrant vegetables. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and learn how to prepare this traditional delicacy.
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Patin Fish (Ikan Patin) | 1 whole fish |
| Water | 750 ml |
| Ground Spices (Bumbu Ulek) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 6 pieces |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 3 cloves |
| Turmeric (Kunyit) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Red Curly Chilies (Cabe Keriting Merah) | 2 pieces |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit) | 2 pieces |
| Additional Spices (Bumbu Pelengkap) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (Sereh) | 1 stalk (bruised) |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | 1 thumb-sized piece (bruised) |
| Ginger (Jahe) | 1 thumb-sized piece (bruised) |
| Tamarind (Asam Jawa) | 1 tablespoon (mixed with water and strained) |
| Salt (Garam) | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Sugar (Gula Pasir) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garnishes (Bahan Pelengkap) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Tomatoes (Tomat Hijau) | 2 pieces |
| Basil Leaves (Daun Kemangi) | 1 stalk |
| Red Tomatoes (Tomat Merah) | 1 piece |
| Pineapple (Nanas) | ½ piece |
| Green Onions (Daun Bawang) | 1 stalk |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the Patin fish thoroughly, ensuring that all scales and entrails are removed. Cut the fish into manageable pieces for cooking.
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Boil the Water: In a large pot, bring 750 ml of water to a boil over high heat. This forms the base of your delicious soup.
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Add Ground Spices: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the ground spices (bumbu ulek) consisting of shallots, garlic, turmeric, red curly chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Allow these ingredients to simmer until they release their aromatic fragrances, which will infuse the broth with flavor.
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Incorporate Additional Spices: After the spices are fragrant, add the additional spices (bumbu pelengkap): kaffir lime leaves, bruised lemongrass, bruised galangal, and bruised ginger. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Cook the Fish: Gently introduce the Patin fish pieces into the pot, allowing them to cook until the broth returns to a boil and the fish is about halfway cooked. This process will take approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Add Garnishes: When the fish is partially cooked, add the garnishing ingredients (bahan pelengkap) such as green tomatoes, basil leaves, red tomatoes, pineapple, and green onions. This will enhance both the flavor and presentation of the dish. Continue cooking until the fish is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt or sugar to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is perfectly cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the pot from the heat. Serve your Pindang Patin hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired, and enjoy the warm, comforting essence of this traditional Indonesian dish.
Pindang Patin is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings together the freshest ingredients and rich culinary traditions. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this soup embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every spoonful of this flavorful masterpiece!
