Pampis Tongkol: A Flavorful Tuna Delight
Pampis Tongkol is a traditional Indonesian dish featuring tuna that is prepared with a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful meal that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for personal adjustments in spice levels, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (ikan tongkol), cut | 350 grams |
| Turmeric leaves (daun kunyit) | 2 leaves |
| Pandan leaves (daun pandan) | 1 leaf |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk purut) | 5 leaves |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus) | |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 14 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 8 cloves |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah) | 3 pieces |
| Red chilies (cabe merah) | 15 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Lemongrass (serai) | 2 stalks |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1.5 fingers |
| Turmeric (kunyit) | 2 fingers (or use fresh turmeric paste) |
| Basil leaves (daun kemangi) | To taste |
| Salt (garam) | 1 teaspoon (to taste) |
| Sugar (gula pasir) | Optional (to taste) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients and preparing the spice paste. Make sure to wash and clean the tuna thoroughly and cut it into manageable pieces.
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Shred the Tuna: Gently shred the tuna into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it is well-prepared for cooking.
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Blend the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. Blend until smooth, creating a fragrant spice paste that will infuse the dish with flavor.
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Slice the Aromatic Leaves: Thinly slice the turmeric leaves, pandan leaf, and kaffir lime leaves. These will provide additional aroma and flavor to the dish.
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Sautรฉ the Leaves: In a large pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leaves and sautรฉ until fragrant, releasing their essential oils into the oil.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Add the blended spice paste to the pan and cook, stirring continuously until it becomes aromatic and well-cooked. This step is crucial for enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.
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Add Water: Pour in approximately 100 ml of water, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
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Season: Once boiling, add salt to taste, stirring well to ensure even seasoning throughout the dish.
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Incorporate the Tuna: Carefully add the shredded tuna to the pan, mixing gently to coat the fish with the spice paste and aromatic leaves.
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Cook Until Dry: Allow the tuna to cook until the sauce reduces and thickens, concentrating the flavors and ensuring the tuna is perfectly cooked. If desired, sprinkle sugar to balance the flavors, adjusting to your taste preference.
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Finish with Basil: Just before serving, fold in fresh basil leaves, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.
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Serve: Your Pampis Tongkol is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm, accompanied by steamed rice and perhaps a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
This delightful dish not only highlights the natural flavors of tuna but also the unique blend of Indonesian spices and herbs that bring warmth and vibrancy to your dining table. Enjoy the rich, aromatic experience of Pampis Tongkol as you share it with family and friends.
