Pindang Kuah Ikan Bandeng: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Soup
Pindang Kuah Ikan Bandeng is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian fish soup that showcases the delicate flavors of bandeng (milkfish) infused with a medley of spices and herbs. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy meal at home, this dish combines the freshness of ingredients with a depth of flavor that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Fish | 1 large bandeng, cut into 4 pieces |
| For Marinating the Fish | – Juice of 1 lime |
| – A pinch of salt | |
| Spice Paste | – 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit) |
| – 1/2 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe) | |
| – 6 Madura chilies (cabe madura) | |
| – A bit of dried tamarind (asam jawa) | |
| – 2 cloves garlic | |
| – 4 shallots (bawang merah) | |
| Additional Aromatics | – 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (lengkuas) |
| – 2 stalks of lemongrass (sereh) | |
| – 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | |
| – 1 piece of palm sugar (gula merah) | |
| – A pinch of ground pepper (lada bubuk) | |
| Liquid | – 4 cups of water (about 1 liter) |
| For Garnishing | – 3 tomatoes or bilimbi (belimbing wuluh) |
| – Chopped scallions (daun bawang) | |
| – 2 large red chilies | |
| – 1 large green chili |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fats | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by washing the bandeng thoroughly, ensuring it is clean. Then, marinate the fish pieces with the juice of 1 lime and a pinch of salt. Allow the fish to sit for a few moments while you prepare the spices.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a large pot, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste ingredients—turmeric, ginger, Madura chilies, tamarind, garlic, and shallots—and sauté until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
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Incorporate Additional Aromatics: Once the spice mixture is aromatic, introduce the galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Continue sautéing until the mixture becomes aromatic and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Add Water: Pour in 4 cups of water into the pot, stirring to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to infuse into the broth.
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Cook the Fish: When the broth reaches a boil, carefully add the marinated fish pieces. Let them cook until the fish is thoroughly cooked and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed with flavor enhancers like masako and MSG (micin).
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Final Touches: Once the fish is cooked and the broth has reduced slightly, turn off the heat. Gently stir in the chopped tomatoes, scallions, and the sliced red and green chilies for an added burst of flavor and color.
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Serve: Ladle the Pindang Kuah Ikan Bandeng into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own for a light, refreshing meal.
Conclusion
Pindang Kuah Ikan Bandeng is not just a dish; it is an experience that encapsulates the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its rich flavors and healthful ingredients. This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the unique taste of bandeng while also bringing warmth to your table. Whether you are familiar with Indonesian dishes or trying it for the first time, this soup is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
