Ikan Kembung Bumbu Kuning: A Delicious Delight for Little Ones

Ikan Kembung Bumbu Kuning is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that showcases the fresh taste of mackerel, enriched with aromatic spices and vegetables. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also a fantastic way to introduce your little ones to the delightful world of seafood.

Ingredients

• 1 whole mackerel (ikan kembung), cleaned
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1-2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (lengkuas)
• 1 tomato, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Spice Blend:

• 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 3 shallots (bawang merah)
• 2-3 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe)
• 1 teaspoon coriander (ketumbar)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics:
   Begin by finely grinding the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, coriander, and salt to create a fragrant spice paste that will form the foundation of your dish.

2. Sauté the Spice Blend:
   In a large skillet or pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice blend, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the aromas fill your kitchen, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Simmer with Water:
   Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step helps to infuse the flavors and create a savory broth.

4. Add the Vegetables:
   Once the water is boiling, introduce the grated carrot to the pot. Add the sugar, and taste the broth to adjust the seasoning. Remember, use salt sparingly since the fish will bring its natural savory flavor.

5. Incorporate the Fish:
   Carefully add the cleaned mackerel to the simmering pot, followed by the chopped tomato. The fish should be added once the broth is bubbling nicely, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

6. Cook Until Done:
   Allow the dish to simmer gently until the fish is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced to your desired consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes. The result will be a beautifully seasoned fish resting on a bed of aromatic broth.

Serving Suggestions

Ikan Kembung Bumbu Kuning is perfect served over a steaming bowl of rice, making it an excellent option for a nourishing meal for your little ones. The combination of spices not only enhances the flavor but also introduces them to the delightful tastes of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy this dish as a wholesome family meal that even the pickiest eaters will love!