Abon Lele: A Deliciously Spiced Catfish Floss Recipe
In the rich tapestry of Indonesian cuisine, Abon Lele holds a special place, captivating taste buds with its fragrant spices and crispy texture. This delightful catfish floss is not only a perfect accompaniment to warm rice or porridge but also a delightful snack on its own. With its combination of aromatic herbs and spices, Abon Lele is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cooking, making it a cherished recipe in many households. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this savory treat, which is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Catfish (ikan lele) | 1/2 kg (approximately 6 fish) |
Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
Lemongrass (serai) | 1 piece (about 3-4 inches) |
Tamarind (asam) | 1 small piece |
Cooking Oil | As needed |
Ground Spice Blend | |
Garlic (bawang putih) | 4 cloves |
Candlenuts (kemiri) | 4 nuts |
Coriander (ketumbar) | 1 tablespoon |
Kaffir Lime Leaves (daun jeruk) | 3 leaves |
Turmeric (kunyit) | 1 finger-sized piece |
Salt | To taste |
Sugar | To taste |
Flavor Enhancer (penyedap rasa) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Catfish: Begin by placing the catfish in a pot of boiling water. Cook until the fish is tender and cooked through, ensuring the meat can be easily separated from the bones. Once cooked, carefully reserve the broth for later use, as this will infuse your dish with extra flavor.
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Separate the Meat: Using a spoon, gently scrape the fish meat from the bones, taking care to remove any remaining bones to ensure a smooth texture. Transfer the extracted fish meat to a blender, adding a small amount of the reserved broth to facilitate blending. Blend until you achieve a smooth, homogenous mixture, then set aside.
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Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice blend, which consists of garlic, candlenuts, coriander, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
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Incorporate the Aromatics: Once the spices are aromatic, add the pieces of galangal, tamarind, and lemongrass to the pan. Stir them into the sautéed spices, allowing their flavors to meld together.
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Combine Fish and Spices: Add the blended catfish mixture to the pan, stirring well to ensure the fish is evenly coated with the spices. Pour in the remaining reserved broth, allowing the mixture to simmer gently over low heat. Continue cooking until most of the liquid evaporates, and the flavors are well integrated.
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Fry to Crispiness: In a separate pan, heat additional cooking oil. Once hot, pour in the seasoned fish mixture. Fry it until the mixture becomes dry and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once the fish floss is perfectly golden and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with brown paper or parchment. This will help absorb any excess oil, allowing your Abon Lele to maintain a delightful crunch.
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Store and Serve: Allow the fish floss to cool completely before transferring it to a dry, airtight container. Your Abon Lele is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it alongside steaming hot rice or as a topping for warm porridge, perfect for any meal or snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approximately 150 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Total Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Carbohydrates | 5 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Sugars | 1 g |
Sodium | 200 mg |
This Abon Lele recipe combines tradition with simplicity, resulting in a dish that encapsulates the heart of Indonesian flavors. Whether served as a main dish or a savory snack, Abon Lele is bound to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish, and savor the wonderful flavors that it brings to your table!