Gulai Ikan Lele: A Delightful Indonesian Catfish Curry

Gulai Ikan Lele, a fragrant and savory Indonesian dish, features catfish simmered in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and want to explore the depths of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 500 grams catfish (ikan lele)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt, to taste
• 5 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk nipis)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal, thinly sliced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1.5 liters water

For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

• 12 shallots (bawang merah)
• 4 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 6 candlenuts (kemiri), toasted
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit), roasted
• Salt, to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Start by thoroughly cleaning the catfish and removing the entrails. Once cleaned, marinate the fish with lime juice and salt. Allow it to rest for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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2. Cook the Curry:
   In a non-stick pot or pan, layer the bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves. Add the marinated catfish, previously fried until golden, on top. Sprinkle the sliced lemongrass, ginger, galangal, and chopped tomatoes over the fish. Follow this by adding the ground spice paste and pouring in the water.

3. Simmer:
   Cover the pot and cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and continue cooking until the fish is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Serve:
   Serve the gulai warm, garnished with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

5. Optional Additions:
   For a heartier dish, you can mix in diced fried tofu or potatoes according to your preference. Additionally, using coconut milk can enhance the richness of your gulai, making it even more delectable.

Enjoying Your Gulai Ikan Lele

This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and can be a centerpiece at family gatherings or casual dinners. The blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that showcases the beauty of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Gulai Ikan Lele!