Gulai Ikan Mas with Long Beans
Gulai Ikan Mas with Long Beans is a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the fresh flavors of fish and vegetables in a rich, coconut-based sauce. This recipe is not only satisfying but also celebrates the vibrant spices and herbs typical of Southeast Asian cuisine. Letβs embark on this culinary journey to create a dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Mas (carp), cleaned | 2 whole fish |
| Lime juice | To taste (from 1 lime) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Long beans (kacang panjang) | Sufficient amount |
| Instant coconut milk (santan) | 1 sachet |
| Water | Sufficient amount |
| Spices and Aromatics | |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 4 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 pieces |
| Coriander seeds (ketumbar) | Β½ teaspoon |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 1-2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2-3 leaves |
| Ginger (jahe), crushed | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Galangal (laos), crushed | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Cooking oil | For sautΓ©ing |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Additional Ingredients | |
| Small shallots (bawang merah utuh) | 5 whole |
| Birdβs eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10 whole |
| Tamarind (asam kandis) | 1 piece |
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spices:
Start by grinding the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and coriander seeds into a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture will serve as the foundation of our gulai. -
SautΓ© the Spice Paste:
Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture and sautΓ© until it becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it releases the essential oils from the spices, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. -
Add Aromatics:
Once the spice paste is aromatic, introduce the bay leaves, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, crushed ginger, and crushed galangal. SautΓ© for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Create the Sauce:
Pour in sufficient water and the instant coconut milk sachet. Stir well to combine, ensuring the mixture doesnβt split. Bring this delightful concoction to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to deepen. -
Incorporate the Main Ingredients:
Gently place the cleaned ikan mas into the pot, followed by the long beans. Add the small shallots, whole birdβs eye chilies, and tamarind piece for an extra layer of complexity. Season with sugar and salt to taste. -
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the gulai to simmer until the fish is fully cooked and the long beans are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. During this time, ensure to taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. -
Serve:
Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or traditional Indonesian side dishes, making it a hearty meal perfect for sharing.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Gulai Ikan Mas with Long Beans embodies the essence of Indonesian flavors, marrying the freshness of fish with aromatic spices and the creaminess of coconut milk. Whether youβre enjoying this dish with family or sharing it with friends, each bite is a celebration of love made visible through the art of cooking. Happy cooking!
