Indonesian Steamed Tuna with Spicy Banana Leaf Wrap

Pepes Tongkol: A Traditional Indonesian Steamed Tuna Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 baskets of tuna (tongkol)
• 4 whole candlenuts (kemiri)
• 10 cloves garlic
• 15 shallots
• 8 large red chilies
• 5 small chilies
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 sheets of banana leaves
• 3 cm tamarind (asam jawa)
• To taste: granulated sugar
• To taste: salt
• To taste: palm sugar (gula merah)
• To taste: water
• Toothpicks for securing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the tuna. Clean it properly to remove any impurities. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender, combine the candlenuts, garlic, shallots, red chilies, small chilies, and tomatoes. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:
   Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and cook until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste. Add the granulated sugar, salt, palm sugar, and a small amount of water to help the spices infuse. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Prepare the Banana Leaves:
   Cut the banana leaves into squares large enough to wrap around the tuna. Briefly heat the banana leaves over an open flame or in a dry pan to make them pliable.

5. Assemble the Pepes:
   Place a portion of the cooked spice paste onto the center of each banana leaf square. Lay a piece of tuna on top, then cover it with more of the spice paste. Fold the banana leaves around the fish, securing the packets with toothpicks to ensure they stay closed during steaming.

6. Steam the Pepes:
   Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Arrange the banana leaf packets in the steamer and steam over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the banana leaves become wilted and the fish is cooked through.

7. Serve:
   Once the pepes are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them drain. Serve hot as a flavorful and aromatic main dish.

This Pepes Tongkol recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine with its rich blend of spices and the aromatic cooking method. Enjoy the delightful flavors wrapped in banana leaves, a true culinary experience from Indonesia.