Acar Gurami Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized gourami fish
- 1 cucumber, julienned, seeds removed
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 10 bird’s eye chilies
- 5 red chilies
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 5 shallots
- Kaffir lime leaves
- 4 cm (1.5 inches) turmeric
- 3 cm (1.2 inches) ginger
- 4 candlenuts
- Salt to taste
- Chicken broth powder to taste
- Water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the gourami fish thoroughly. Once cleaned, fry the fish until it is fully cooked and has a crispy exterior. Set aside.
- Make the Spice Paste: In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind together the garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant and aromatic. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in enough water to create a broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the kaffir lime leaves for an extra layer of fragrance.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Incorporate the julienned cucumber and carrot into the boiling broth. Season with salt and chicken broth powder to taste. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Gently place the fried gourami fish into the simmering broth. Allow the fish to absorb the flavors for a few minutes, ensuring it is well-coated with the spiced broth.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once satisfied with the flavor, carefully transfer the fish and vegetables to a serving dish. Ladle some of the fragrant broth over the fish.
Enjoy your Acar Gurami with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish combines the delightful crunch of the vegetables with the succulent, flavorful fish, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a hearty family dinner.
