Exquisite Indonesian Spicy Catfish Soup – Pindang Patin Palembang

Pindang Patin Palembang Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of river catfish (patin sungai)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal, sliced
• 3 sprigs of basil
• 1 slice of pineapple, diced
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges or diced
• 1 stalk of spring onion, sliced
• 4 pieces of tamarind
• 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (terasi)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• Salt to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 red chilies
• 7 shallots
• 3 garlic cloves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the river catfish (patin sungai) and cook until the fish is tender.

2. Make the Broth:

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   • While the fish is cooking, prepare the spice paste by grinding the red chilies, shallots, and garlic cloves until smooth.
   • Add the spice paste to the boiling pot along with the bruised lemongrass, sliced ginger, sliced galangal, tamarind pieces, shrimp paste, and sweet soy sauce. Let it come to a boil again and cook until the catfish is fully cooked and the broth is fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:

   • Once the broth is ready, add the bird’s eye chilies, diced pineapple, basil sprigs, and tomato wedges. Season with salt to taste.
   • Allow the vegetables to cook briefly to retain their freshness and vibrant colors. Before turning off the heat, add the sliced spring onion.

4. Serving Tips:

   • For a fresh and restaurant-style presentation, place the tomato wedges, basil sprigs, and sliced spring onion in a serving bowl separately. Ladle the catfish and hot broth over them just before serving.

Notes:

• For an even fresher look and taste: Consider adding the basil, tomato, and spring onion directly to the serving bowls instead of cooking them in the broth. This ensures they stay vibrant and crisp.
• Enjoy your homemade Pindang Patin Palembang: A traditional Indonesian dish that’s both flavorful and refreshing, perfect for any meal.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to recreate an authentic and delicious Pindang Patin Palembang, bringing the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful combination of spicy, tangy, and aromatic elements that make this dish a favorite among many.