Welcome to Love with Recipes! 🌟 Today, we bring you a delicious and authentic Indonesian recipe, “Pepes Patin ala DEBM.” This traditional dish features tender catfish (patin) wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps for this mouthwatering delicacy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg catfish, cut into 6 pieces
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
- 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
- 5 cloves of shallots
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 4 candlenuts (kemiri)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of Royco (or any all-purpose seasoning)
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 stalks of lemongrass (serei), bruised
- 2 bunches of basil (kemangi)
- 5 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 2 stalks of leek (daun prai), sliced
- 6 whole red bird’s eye chilies (rawit merah)
- 6 banana leaves (for wrapping)
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Catfish:
- Clean the catfish and cut it into 6 equal pieces. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind the turmeric, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, salt, and Royco into a smooth paste.
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Assemble the Pepes:
- Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into large rectangles and briefly passing them over a flame to make them pliable.
- Place a piece of catfish on each banana leaf.
- Spread the spice paste evenly over the fish pieces.
- Add the additional ingredients: a stalk of bruised lemongrass, a few basil leaves, a bay leaf, a slice of leek, and a whole red chili.
- Fold the banana leaf over the fish and secure it with toothpicks to form a neat package.
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Steam the Pepes:
- Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and steam for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker for a quicker cooking time.
- Once done, carefully remove the banana leaf packages from the steamer.
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Serve:
- Unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the beautifully cooked, aromatic fish.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Pepes Patin ala DEBM is not only a nutritious and flavorful dish but also a wonderful way to explore Indonesian cuisine. The unique combination of spices and herbs wrapped in banana leaves creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy this delightful recipe with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with our foodie community!
Cooking is Love Made Visible. 🌸 Happy Cooking!