Golden Spiced Catfish with Coconut and Basil

Yellow Spiced Catfish (Patin Bumbu Kuning) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole catfish (patin), cleaned and cut into pieces
• 8 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 2-inch piece ginger
• 3-inch piece turmeric
• 2-inch piece galangal
• 3 candlenuts
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 scallion, sliced (optional, to taste)
• 2 bunches basil leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 8 red bird’s eye chilies
• 65 ml coconut milk (Kara brand or similar)
• Water, as needed
• Salt and sugar, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Cut the catfish into pieces and rinse them thoroughly. Squeeze lime juice over the fish pieces and set aside to marinate briefly.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender, combine garlic, turmeric, galangal, ginger, and candlenuts. Blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Slice the shallots thinly. Bruise the lemongrass with the back of a knife. In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and bruised lemongrass, and sauté until fragrant.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Add the prepared spice paste to the pan with the shallots and lemongrass. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the paste is aromatic and slightly browned.

5. Add Water and Chilies:

   • Pour in 1 cup of water and add the whole red bird’s eye chilies to the pan. Bring to a simmer.

6. Cook the Catfish:

   • Gently add the catfish pieces to the pan. Ensure the fish is submerged in the liquid but avoid stirring too frequently to prevent breaking the fish apart. Let it cook until the fish is nearly done.

7. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir gently. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce has thickened and the fish is cooked through.

8. Finish with Fresh Herbs:

   • Add the sliced scallion and basil leaves to the pan. Stir gently and season with salt and sugar to taste.

9. Serve:

   • Remove from heat and serve the yellow spiced catfish hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this vibrant and aromatic dish that combines the rich flavors of Indonesian spices with tender catfish, perfect for a flavorful meal any day of the week!