Sop Ikan Patin: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Soup
Savor the aromatic and flavorful essence of Indonesian cuisine with Sop Ikan Patin, a delectable fish soup that is both nourishing and comforting. This traditional dish, made with fresh catfish (ikan patin), aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Follow this easy-to-make recipe to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg (1.1 lbs) catfish (ikan patin), cleaned
- 4 cloves of shallots (bawang merah), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih), thinly sliced
- Pepper (lada), to taste
- 1-inch piece of ginger (jahe), bruised
- 1-inch piece of turmeric (kunyit), bruised
- 1-inch piece of galangal (lengkuas), bruised
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass (sereh), bruised
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 2 green onions (daun bawang), chopped
- A handful of celery leaves (daun seledri)
- 1 tomato, quartered
- Carrots, sliced, to taste
- Salt (garam), to taste
- Sugar (gula pasir), to taste
- Chicken bouillon powder (bubuk kaldu), to taste
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
Steps:
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish. Rub the fish with salt and lime juice, then set aside for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the salt and lime juice with water.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Thinly slice the shallots and garlic.
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Sauté the Spices: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the shallots, garlic, bay leaves, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, turmeric, and galangal until fragrant.
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Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the fish, then bring to a boil.
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Season the Broth: Once the water is boiling, add salt, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, green onions, and celery leaves. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Cook the Fish and Vegetables: Add the cleaned catfish and tomato quarters to the pot. Continue cooking until the fish is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender.
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Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, you can add some sliced chili peppers.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
- Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy your delicious Sop Ikan Patin, a perfect representation of the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This heartwarming soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.