Indonesian Patin Fish Soup with Spicy Lemongrass and Tamarind

Sup Ikan Patin “Kelo Mrica Khas Pati” Recipe

This delightful recipe for Sup Ikan Patin, also known as Kelo Mrica Khas Pati, brings together the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine in a comforting and hearty fish soup. With its fragrant spices and fresh ingredients, it’s a perfect dish for any meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• For the Fish:

  • 500 grams of Patin fish (1 medium-sized fish)
  • 1 lemon or lime (for marinating)
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

• For the Soup:

  • 1 small tomato (or substitute with belimbing sayur), sliced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tamarind slices or tamarind paste
  • 400 cc water
  • 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 5 whole bird’s eye chilies
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 5 cm galangal, bruised
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for sautéing)

• For the Marinade:

  • 1 lemon or lime
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 3 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 red bird’s eye chilies
  • 1 candlenut
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cm turmeric
  • 1/2 cm ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the Patin fish thoroughly, removing all internal organs but keeping the fat as it’s beneficial for heart health. Rub the fish with lemon or lime and salt to eliminate any slime and odor. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse well.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, candlenut, black peppercorns, fine salt, turmeric, and ginger. Blend into a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Heat cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, whole bird’s eye chilies, and the prepared spice paste. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Add the Herbs and Seasonings:

   • Incorporate the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal into the pot. Continue to sauté for a few minutes to release their aromas.

5. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in the water and stir in the granulated sugar and tamarind slices (or tamarind paste). Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Cook the Fish:

   • Once the soup is boiling, gently add the Patin fish. Simmer until the fish is cooked through and tender.

7. Finish with Tomatoes:

   • Add the sliced tomato to the soup just before serving. Cook briefly to soften the tomato without letting it disintegrate.

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crispy fried shallots for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy this traditional Indonesian Patin fish soup warm, with its rich and aromatic flavors making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.