Mangut Lele: A Flavorful Indonesian Catfish Stew
Mangut Lele is a delightful, aromatic Indonesian dish that combines the rich flavors of fried catfish with a savory coconut milk gravy. The catfish is cooked with a blend of spices, fresh herbs, and coconut milk to create a comforting, slightly spicy stew. Often served with steamed white rice, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Catfish (cleaned and seasoned with salt and turmeric) | 6 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (kunir) | 1/4 tsp |
| Spice Blend (Bumbu Halus) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 12 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 6 cloves |
| Turmeric powder (kunir bubuk) | 1/4 tsp |
| Coriander powder (ketumbar) | 1/4 tsp |
| Shrimp paste (terasi) | 1 sachet |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 15 pieces |
| Herbs and Vegetables | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Red chilies (cabe merah, sliced) | 3 pieces (sliced diagonally) |
| Green chilies (cabe hijau, sliced) | 3 pieces (sliced diagonally) |
| Tomatoes (tomat, sliced) | 2 pieces |
| Other Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coconut milk (santan) | 1 liter |
| Palm sugar or regular sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (salt, and broth powder) | To taste |
Instructions:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the spice blend (bumbu halus), including the shallots, garlic, turmeric, coriander, shrimp paste, and bird’s eye chilies until fragrant. |
| 2. | Add the bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves, stir well, and let the aroma develop. |
| 3. | Gently add the fried catfish into the pan. Stir gently to coat the fish with the spices. |
| 4. | Incorporate the sliced red chilies and green chilies into the pan. Stir to combine the flavors. |
| 5. | Pour in the coconut milk and season with sugar, salt, and broth powder. Cook on low heat, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors. |
| 6. | Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Allow the dish to simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together, stirring occasionally. |
| 7. | Just before serving, add the sliced tomatoes. Stir gently and let it simmer for a minute or two. |
| 8. | Once the dish is ready, remove from heat and serve warm with freshly steamed white rice. |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Mangut Lele is an exceptional blend of spicy, savory, and coconut goodness, offering a burst of flavors that will excite your taste buds. The catfish, with its tender meat, pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut milk and the vibrant spices. Paired with steaming white rice, it’s a comforting meal that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia. Enjoy the delicious complexity of this dish, which captures the essence of traditional Indonesian home cooking.
